NBA Pick #1: 709 Boston Celtics @ 710 Cleveland Cavaliers
Rating: 5 units - ***Top Play***
Pick: Boston Celtics (+7) (Play up to +6)Odds: -108 / 1.93 on Pinnacle Sports OR -110 / 1.91 on William Hill
I expect the Celtics to be very competitive tonight. In the last two games, excluding the first quarter of Game 4, Boston was very competitive and with Baynes on the lineup, their defense has been amazing. Even with Cleveland winning Game 4 by 9 points, they only scored 0.90 PPP on half court, in comparison with the 0.96 PPP scored by Boston. However, the Cavaliers won that game due to a nice edge on the boards battle, having the same number of offensive rebounds, but with a better offensive rebounding rate and great transition numbers on offense. With Baynes starting in the last game, that edge that Cleveland supposedly would have was denied and I believe the same will happen in here. Cleveland's role players have been playing a lot better at home on this series and I presume the same will happen again tonight, but Boston's defense will keep the team in the game the 48 minutes and so, I believe these 7 points are way too much. So, I'll be taking Boston in here in a Top Play!