March 8, 2026, 12:26 a.m. ET

The Boston Celtics (42-21) and Cleveland Cavaliers (39-24) meet Sunday at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Tio-off is at 1 p.m. ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Celtics lead 2-0 with 125-105 and 117-115 victories

The Celtics throttled the Dallas Mavericks 120-100 Friday, covering as a 15.5-point home favorite with the Under (225.5) cashing. Boston has won 4 of its last 5 games, going 4-1 against the spread (ATS). It is 37-25-1 ATS on the season. F Jayson Tatum made his season debut after rupturing his Achilles last season. He played 27 minutes and posted a double-double (15 points, 12 rebounds), hitting 6 of 16 shots, including 3 of 8 on 3-pointers.

The Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons 113-109 Tuesday, covering as a 2.5-point home underdog as the Under (228.5) hit. Cleveland has won 2 straight games, but is just 3-3 straight up and ATS in the last 6 games. It is 27-36 ATS this season.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Celtics at Cavaliers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Celtics -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Cavaliers -115 (bet $115 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Celtics +1.5 (-120) | Cavaliers -1.5 (+100)Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Celtics at Cavaliers key injuries

Celtics

C Nikola Vucevic (ring finger) out

Cavaliers

C Jarrett Allen (knee) outG Donovan Mitchell (groin) probableG Tyrese Proctor (quadricep) outG Max Strus (foot) outG Jaylon Tyson (neck) questionableF Dean Wade (ankle) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Celtics at Cavaliers picks and predictionsPrediction

Celtics 114, Cavaliers 108

BET CELTICS (-105).

The Celtics have had the Cavaliers’ number this season, and the absence of Allen should be felt much more than Vucevic being sidelined. Boston has won 4 of its last 5 on the road and 8 of its last 10 contests. With Tatum having played 27 minutes in his season debut, he should see ample time again.

The Cavaliers haven’t impressed, especially offensively, as of late. They have tallied 113 points or fewer in 4 of their last 6 games and are just 3-4 ATS (which is something to note given how close the spread is) across their previous 7 battles.

Take CELTICS (-105).

PASS.

The spread is certainly playable here, but the preferred wager is for Boston +1.5 (-120) to win outright for a better return.

BET UNDER 224.5 (-110).

The Celtics, who rank sixth in defensive rating, know how to defend. They have allowed 100 points or fewer in 3 of their previous 4 games and are just 1-7 O/U across their last 8 contests.

Cleveland has allowed sub-110 points in 2 straight and in 3 of its previous 5 contests. It is 2-3 O/U in that span and 30-33 O/U on the season.

Take UNDER 224.5 (-110).

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