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Eastern Conference Finals Game 3

Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5; Total: 206.5

 

To the surprise of most pundits the Celtics have jumped out to a 2-0 series lead over the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.  After a Game 1 thrashing which the Cavaliers, LeBron James included were chastised for not showing up the Game 2 was much more competitive to start.  LeBron James attempted 13 shots in the 1st quarter and lead Cleveland to a seven-point half time lead.   The lead was short lived as the Celtics outscored Cleveland 36-22 in the third quarter and then 23-17 in the fourth quarter. Boston was lead by Jaylen Brown’s 23 points, Terry Rozier’s 18 points and Al Horford’s double-double in which he scored 15 points and pulled down 10 boards.  Cleveland was lead by LeBron James who scored a game high 42 points with 12 assists and 10 rebounds.  Kevin Love chipped in with 22 points and 15 rebounds.  The rest of Cleveland’s supporting cast struggled with just Kyle Korver reaching double-figures which was largely due to a strong first half.  No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit so I expect LeBron to again come out firing on all cylinders in what could be one of his last home games as a member of the Cavaliers.  Cleveland is going to need J.R. Smith and/or Kyle Korver to also contribute at a more consistent level if Cleveland hopes to grab Game 3 as the Celtics scoring depth is just too great for the Cavaliers to overcome if just LeBron and Kevin Love are the only two contributing.   The Celtics are just 1-4 on the road this postseason and home teams typically hold serve during the NBA playoffs which is likely why Cleveland, despite being down 2-0, is a 6.5-point favorite tonight.   Boston is shooting just 41-percent from the floor and 30.8-percent from the floor in five road games during the playoffs. At home Cleveland is shooting 47.1-percent from the floor and 34.5-percent from three-point range.  During this series Cleveland is shooting just 41-percent from the floor during while shooting a miserable 24.6-percent from three-point range.  Boston is shooting 47.2-percent from the floor and 34.4-percent from three-point range both of which are about on par with their averages during the playoffs. 

Pre-Game Props

Q1: The last made shot of the 1st Q is a two-pointer.

I went with NO for this reply based purely on the multiplier with is 4x.  Having this be correct could be the difference between cashing or not in this tournament.  I expect the secondary scorers for Cleveland to step up in this one so Kyle Korver or J.R. Smith hitting a three to end the 1st Q seems plausible.

Q2: Which team makes more three-pointers in the 1st Q?

I went ahead and chose Cleveland for this prop as they are shooting better at home this postseason and I just feel like the game flow here will favor the Cavaliers during the 1st Q.

Q3: Which team scores more points in the 1st Q? Boston has a +2 handicap.

I went with Cleveland here as I expect the Cavaliers to jump out to an early lead and potentially lead the entire game as they grab Game 3 at home and avoid the potential sweep.

Q4: The first made shot of the game is a three-pointer.

I went with a NO here as I expect LeBron James to likely get to the rim and score the first two points of this game.  It would be surprising for anybody else to take a three-pointer to kick off the scoring on either side.

Q5: LeBron James or Al Horford score by the 10:30 mark of the 1st Q.

I went with a YES here as I expect LeBron James to score within the first minute of the game and possibly right from the opening tip if Cleveland gains possession to start the game.

Q6: Which team wins the opening tip-off?

I went with the Celtics winning the opening tip as Al Horford should just get the jump on Kevin Love to begin the game.