Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers predictions, odds: Who wins NBA playoff series?

Justin Martinez, The Oklahoman

The No. 1-seeded Boston Celtics will face the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs.

Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday in Boston (TNT). The Celtics won the regular-season series, 2-1.

Boston advanced past the first round with a 4-1 series win over the No. 8 Miami Heat. Cleveland advanced with a 4-3 series win over the No. 5 Orlando Magic.

Here's a look at how the second-round matchup is projected to play out:

First-round picks: Celtics vs Heat | Knicks vs 76ers | Bucks vs Pacers | Cavaliers vs Magic | Thunder vs Pelicans | Nuggets vs Lakers | Timberwolves vs Suns | Clippers vs Mavericks

Second-round picks:Thunder vs Mavericks | Nuggets vs Timberwolves | Celtics vs Cavaliers | Knicks vs Pacers

More: 2024 NBA playoffs: Complete schedule, bracket breakdown, how to watch

The Oklahoman: Boston, 4-1

Justin Martinez writes: "There's a chance neither team will be at full strength for this series. Boston's Kristaps Porzingis (calf) will likely be out for the entire round, and Cleveland's Jarrett Allen (ribs) has missed the last three games. But regardless of injuries, the Celtics should be the overwhelming favorite. Boston can throw defensive specialists such as Jrue Holiday and Derrick White at Donovan Mitchell. It also has the more reliable offense, which ranks second in the NBA in points per game (120.6) with Jayson Tatum leading the way. The Celtics should take care of business without too much trouble."

DraftKings: Boston (-1200) is the favorite to win the second-round playoff series vs Cleveland

Boston is a -1200 favorite to beat Cleveland in the second round of the playoffs.

  • Series winner: Boston -1200 | Cleveland +850

  • Win in 4: Boston +190 | Cleveland +9000

  • Win in 5: Boston +210 | Cleveland +6500

  • Win in 6: Boston +425 | Cleveland +1900

  • Win in 7: Boston +600 | Cleveland +2200

BetMGM: Boston (-10.5) is favored to beat Cleveland in Game 1

Boston is a 10.5-point favorite to win Game 1 on Tuesday.

  • Over/under: 208.5

  • Moneyline: Boston -600 | Cleveland +425

More: How did OKC Thunder sweep Pelicans in NBA playoffs? Depth and relentless defense

ESPN: Boston has a 69.2% chance to beat Cleveland in Game 1

ESPN gives Boston a 69.2% chance to beat Cleveland in Game 1 on Tuesday.

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers NBA playoff series schedule

  • Game 1: 6 p.m. Tuesday in Boston (TNT)

  • Game 2: 6 p.m. Thursday in Boston (ESPN)

  • Game 3: 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Cleveland (ABC)

  • Game 4: TBD Monday, May 13, in Cleveland (TNT)

  • Game 5 (if necessary): TBD Wednesday, May 15, in Boston (TNT)

  • Game 6 (if necessary): TBD Friday, May 17, in Cleveland (ESPN)

  • Game 7 (if necessary): TBD Sunday, May 19, in Boston

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers picks, odds in NBA playoffs

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