Remember the 1986 NBA playoffs when Chicago’s Michael JordanBoston Celtics?
Well, this year’s Eastern Conference semifinal between Cleveland and Boston, which tips off tonight for Game 1 - with the Celtics 9.5-point betting favorites (over/under: 183.5) on WagerWeb.com - could be similar. The Cavs only go as far as their superstar, LeBron James, will take them, while the Celtics had the best record in the league and boast three All-Stars in Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.
In terms of sheer numbers over the course of the games, James will not be held down. The best the Celtics can hope to do is get a critical stop here and there late in a tight game. LeBron has scored 30 or more points in each of the last 10 meetings between the teams, including averages of 32.3 points, 9.6 assists and seven rebounds in three games this season. He also took 40 free throws in three games, and the Celtics will have to double-team him frequently.
"You've always got to keep an eye on him wherever he is on the court," said Pierce, who will be primarily responsible for guarding the person he called "arguably the best player in the NBA."
In addition, Cavs guard Daniel Gibson comes into this series on a roll. In his previous three games, Gibson shot 55 percent from 3-point range and 50 percent overall. He has hit at least three 3-pointers in his past three games, including four in Game 6 over Washington on Friday.
The season series between the clubs was tied, 2-2, with Boston winning a game that James missed and Cleveland taking the one that Garnett sat out. The Celtics also won the lone meeting that came after the Cavaliers' big trade at the deadline. Allen scored 23.8 per game for Boston, but neither Garnett nor Pierce had extraordinary numbers. Pierce, in fact, struggled to the tune of 37.7 percent shooting and a 13.5 points per game average.This will be Cleveland’s first playoffs with Ben Wallace, who will get the defensive assignment on Garnett. Wallace is still a good rebounder and shot blocker, but provides little on the other end. His horrendous free throw shooting (25 percent in the first round) could be a liability in close games. He'll try to keep Garnett, who averaged 21 points in the first round, closer to the 15.3 he put up against the Cavs.
If Wallace can't handle Garnett, this series won’t be a long one. The play of Garnett will open up the lane for Pierce to drive and open up the perimeter for Allen's 3-pointers. The Celtics have a strong bench and they could exploit the Cavs' bench.
On the injury front, Pierce suffered a lower back sprain and right hip sprain during the series against Atlanta. But Pierce said he feels fine despite having just one day off between series. "The back is doing a lot better," Pierce said. "The hip is a little sore from Game 6 in Atlanta. I don't think it will have an effect on me."
Boston point guard Rajon Rondo said he's OK after hitting the floor hard when flagrantly fouled by Hawks forward Marvin Williams Sunday. "I hurt a little bit, but I'm fine," said Rondo.
Cleveland, meanwhile, is well-rested.
Betting trends: Under is 9-3 in Cavs’ last 12 overall. ... Under is 9-3 in Cavs’ last 12 vs. Eastern Conference. ... Over is 19-7-1 in Cavs’ last 27 Tuesday games. ... Celtics are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 home games. ... Under is 6-2 in Celtics’ last 8 home games. ... Celtics are 23-8 ATS in their
last 31 games overall. ... Cavs’ are 7-3-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
was basically a one-man show against the vaunted
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