Eastern Conference Finals Game 3
Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers (May 22, 08:30 GMT+8)
The first two games were indeed forgettable, but the Celtics have no time to bury themselves in frustration as they need to cut the Cavs’ 2-0 deficit when they visit Quicken Loans Arena this Monday.
Of course, sports betting pundits are not expecting them to do so. Not after losing by 44 points in a game that also saw the Cavaliers break the modern-day NBA record for the biggest halftime lead in the postseason.
However, although betting odds and betting tips are not backing them, Coach Brad Stevens and his boys know how important Game 3 is if they want to avoid a sweep and save face as the top seed.
The main issue for the Celtics is their offence. It’s obvious that you can’t score if you can’t make your shots, so the C’s need to stay aggressive and keep attacking even against the defensive pressure of Cleveland.
This has been a problem for them since the semi-finals, and although they still won that series against Washington, the thing is: they aren’t up against the Wizards anymore! This team is Cleveland led by the one and only, LeBron James.
They crumbled tremendously against the Cavs’ defence, and they must avoid that if they want to at least keep the game closer.
Al Horford’s presence will also be big for the green shirts. Isaiah Thomas is already ruled out for the rest of the playoffs due to the serious hip injury that kept him out of the second half of Game 2 – a huge blow to say the least – so Horford’s scoring and inside presence will be crucial for them to pull an upset.
It will also help the C’s to be patient and take high-percentage shots. Their threes aren’t falling – they are 20 out of 65 from deep in the first two games – so Coach Stevens must draw a better strategy for his team to score.
Stopping LeBron should also be their priority. That’s not to say Kelly Olynyk should injure him like he usually does to star players, though limiting James’ production should cripple the Cavs on both ends of the floor.
Although I don’t think the Cavs will lose given that they still have Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love playing better and efficiently, I expect the Celts to play with more tenacity and keep the match closer than the last one. With that said, it will be best to bet on the Celtics with Asian Handicap +15.00 @ 2.11.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
