NBA Odds: Celtics Look to Make Statement at Cavs

LeBron is averaging 37 points in two games vs. Boston this year. (AP Images)

If the Boston Celtics really want to show they have a chance at making a run in this postseason, they almost need to prove it to themselves with a signature win. Winning in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon would certainly qualify, but the Celts are just 2-8 against the East’s three other top teams this year (Cavs, Magic and Hawks) and have opened as solid underdogs for this game on Bodog’s NBA odds.

Boston stopped a two-game losing streak Friday night with a 122-103 home win over Indiana – that coming just a game after the Celtics were routed at home by Memphis and heard boos as they left the parquet floor. And what’s up with Kevin Garnett? While he’s still a solid defender and rebounder, he has scored in single digits in three of the past four games. Believe it or not, the Celtics are actually a better road team (22-11) than home team (19-12) this season. And they are just a .500 team over the past 36 games overall.

Cleveland got LeBron James back from a two-game injury absence on Friday night, and he had 23 points and 10 assists in a 100-95 win at Philly for Cleveland’s eighth win in nine games (the one loss coming without LeBron). James has 17 games with 20 points and 10 assists this season to lead the NBA. The Cavs played Friday without starting forward Antawn Jamison, who didn't make the trip because of left knee stiffness. But Jamison said he would be playing in this nationally televised matchup.

Boston and Cleveland have split two games this season. The Celtics won on opening night in Cleveland, but both teams were a lot different back then. Cleveland won at Boston by 20 on Feb. 25 to snap a nine-game losing streak in Beantown. However, Celtics star Paul Pierce missed that game with a thumb injury. Despite the fewest home losses in the NBA, the Cavs haven’t been a great play at home of late, covering just once in the past five there. Boston has covered just once in the past six in Cleveland.

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