Cavs vs Celtics Game Preview

The Cavs and Celtics will face off on the national stage once again.

After demolishing Dallas on Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers will turn their attention to the Boston Celtics in a matchup of the two of the Eastern Conference’s best teams.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (40-9) vs. Boston Celtics (35-15)

Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse – Cleveland, OH

When: 7:30pm EST

TV: TNT

Line: Cavaliers – 1.5

Expected Cavs starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen.

Cavs injury report: Isaac Okoro – OUT (shoulder), Dean Wade – OUT (knee), J.T. Thor – OUT (G League), Luke Travers – OUT (G League), Emoni Bates – OUT (G League)

Expected Celtics starting lineup: Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Krirstaps Porzingis

Celtics injury report: JD Davison – OUT (G League), Anton Watson – OUT (G League)

What to watch for

Playoff atmosphere

Just by looking at the record, this game will feel like a late-April chess match. Boston is, in many people’s eyes, still the best team in the Eastern Conference. As the defending champions, it’s hard to argue against that notion even if the Cavs have the best record in the NBA. This is an opportunity to make a statement for the Cavs, especially coming off of their little slide in January.

Look for the rotations to be a little tighter, leashes to be slightly shorter, and an extra jolt of energy in the building. Boston ended Cleveland’s historic win streak earlier in the season, to the chagrin of many. The Celtics also ended the Cavs’ season last spring. This is a physical, and mental, hurdle.

Big moment Mitchell

The idea that Donovan Mitchell wilts in big moments will be on people’s minds for this game, as the superstar guard has had his fair share of poor shooting nights when the lights are brightest. Recently, he shot exceedingly poorly from the floor in both games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the latter resulting in a blowout loss.

Mitchell shouldn’t force it, because he does not have to be on this deep team, but he can be an excellent pace-setter for the rest of the guys. All season he has talked about being a leader and setting the tone, and tonight would be a great time to demonstrate that.

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