On the evening of February 28, 2025, the Boston Celtics will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden, marking another heavyweight clash at the top of the Eastern Conference. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and excitement is brewing as the Celtics, who are currently 35-21, look to maintain their momentum against the Cavaliers, who boast an impressive 48-10 record and are riding high on an eight-game winning streak.
Both teams have shown resilience as they position themselves for the playoff stretch, making this matchup feel increasingly like a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. Boston, having won two of the previous three encounters against the Cavaliers this season—including handing them their first loss after their impressive 15-game start—enter this game as the slight favorite.
Despite this, the Cavaliers are not to be underestimated. They’ve made their mark as the second-highest-scoring team this season, averaging 122.9 points per game. Cleveland’s star, Evan Mobley, has emerged as the leading candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year and is expected to play a key role offensively. Mobley’s points prop for this game is set at 15.5, and with him averaging 18.7 points so far this season, sports analysts anticipate he could surpass this mark tonight. He’s had notable performances lately, including scoring 25 points against the Memphis Grizzlies and consistently exceeding his average this month.
With Darius Garland expected to return after missing two games, it adds more depth to the Cavaliers' offensive strategy. The Celtics must be wary of not only Mobley but also Garland and star player Donovan Mitchell. The chance of the Cavaliers’ scoring prowess clashing against Boston’s third-ranked scoring defense is what fans are excited to witness.
From the Celtics' side, much rests on the shoulders of Jayson Tatum. Currently averaging 26.6 points per game, Tatum is projected to score over 26.5 points, showcasing the potential for him to put forth another impressive performance on his home court. Nevertheless, he struggled with just 22 points the last time these teams met, and will be aiming to make improvements. Tatum will also need to work on the boards, with his rebounding prop sitting at 7.5 rebounds for this game.
Boston's pride will be tested, particularly after their recent 117-97 loss to the Detroit Pistons, putting them under pressure to assert themselves against the top team. Key players like Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday have raised some injury questions as game time approaches, which could impact the Celtics' ability to fully exploit their home advantage.
Currently, Boston is favored by 1 point to 2.5 points, depending on the sportsbook, having moved from an opening line of -2.5. The Celtics have been 25-33-1 against the spread this season, and with their past performances, some analysts predict they will cover the spread tonight.
For those betting, it’s also noteworthy to look at trends. The Cavs have hit the 1H moneyline 43 times out of their last 58 games, demonstrating their serious threat early on. Yet, the Celtics have been dominant at home, scoring well and securing wins.
Looking at prop bets, Derrick White and Jarrett Allen are also highlighted by analysts. White has been consistent with three-point shooting, projected to make over 3.5 three-pointers at +102 odds, and Allen is set for over 11.5 rebounds at +114 odds, indicating he consistently contributes to his team’s efforts on the glass.
With both teams focused on this premier matchup, experts predict it will be close, with estimates like Celtics 113, Cavaliers 109, illustrating just how competitive this game is expected to be. Each team has their strengths and weaknesses, but the home court advantage might just tip the scales for Boston tonight.
Tonight’s game will air live on ESPN and can be streamed via platforms like Sling; fans are eagerly awaiting the drama and intensity of this Eastern Conference showdown.