Celtics vs. Cavaliers prediction and odds for Monday, March 6 (Cavs should roll)

The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to keep their impressive 27-7 record at home going when they host the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

Boston is coming off a double overtime loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday night, and it seems like they’ll be sitting some players in this matchup, as the odds have moved significantly since opening.

Cleveland is a six-point favorite tonight, but it opened at -2.5 (where I bet it last night). With Boston’s starters playing a ton of minutes on Sunday, it wouldn’t be shocking for it to rest players on the second night of a back-to-back.

Cleveland needs to win to keep the Knicks at bay, as New York (winners of nine straight) is just a game behind Cleveland for the No. 4 seed.

I already gave you a hint as to how I’m betting this game, but there’s a lot more than just a few guys sitting that leans me towards Cleveland.

Let’s dive into it:

Celtics vs. Cavaliers odds, spread and total

Celtics vs. Cavaliers prediction and pick

The Cavs have been dominant at home when favored, going 21-11-1 against the spread in the 2022-23 season, winning those games by an average margin of 9.5 points.

If you didn’t jump on the Cavs last night, you missed the best number, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from them in this spot.

Cleveland already has two wins against Boston this season, and it lost by just four points in Boston in their last meeting.

Jayson Tatum (49 minutes on Sunday) and Jaylen Brown (47 minutes) are both candidates to sit tonight, and Al Horford hasn’t been playing back-to-backs for most of the season.

Not only that, but Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams III missed yesterday’s game with injuries. If they aren’t able to return, Boston is going to have to reach deep into the bench to get a rotation for this game.

The Cavs have won their last two home games by a combined 49 points. They should roll over a shorthanded Celtics squad.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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