NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers
The Boston Celtics are on a four-game winning streak and will now face the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena. This is their third meeting this season and the Celtics currently lead the four-game series, 2-0. The two games were blowout wins for the Cs and they will be looking to clinch the series by winning tomorrow.
The Boston Celtics' perspective
The Celtics find themselves at the third spot in the East and are finally starting to perform the way fans have expected them to perform at the beginning of the season. When Kyrie Irving missed games due to injury, Jaylen Brown took over and kept the momentum going. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games and are slowly moving up in the standings.
After the game against the Cavaliers, they have a tough schedule coming up that include teams such as Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks. It is therefore important for the Celtics to not take the Cavs lightly and focus on the task at hand.
Kyrie Irving has been the center of attraction as the Celtics turned the tables in the last one month as the guard had several strong nights.
Predicted Boston Celtics' starting line-up:
Marcus Morris Sr. (F), Jayson Tatum (F), Al Harford (C), Kyrie Irving (G) and Marcus Smart (G)
The Cleveland Cavaliers' perspective
Nothing seems to be going in their direction for the Cleveland Cavaliers as there are currently one of the worst teams in the league at 11-42. The team at one point in time lost twelve straight games which is enough to talk about the kind of season they are having.
Kevin Love has only featured in four games this season due to injury and is expected to return at some point this month. Jordan Clarkson has been the best player for the Cavs this season, averaging 16.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game on 45.6 % shooting.
Collin Sexton's performance has also been a positive sign for the team as the rookie is averaging 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game on 40.3 % shooting. The team does not have much to lose this season as they are most likely going to miss the playoffs.
Last night, according to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Portland Trail Blazers and Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a deal that sends Rodney Hood to Portland in exchange for Canadian Nik Stauskas and third-year guard Wade Baldwin IV.
Predicted Cleveland Cavaliers' starting line-up:
Alec Burks (F), Cedi Osman (F), Tristan Thompson (C), Jordan Clarkson (G) and Collin Sexton (G)
How the things might unfold
This is going to be a complete mismatch and expect the Boston Celtics to come down heavily on the Cavaliers. Even though the Celtics are on the road, that should not stop them from dismantling the struggling Cavaliers.
Prediction
Boston Celtics for the blowout win.
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