The Boston Celtics dropped one home game in the first round, but their other four wins came with a 22-point average margin. This performance cements them as the clear favorites to reach the NBA Finals
Their next challenge is against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team that should provide more resistance than their previous opponents. Although Boston won the season series 2-1, each game was close, with all three decided within five points in the last five minutes.
Series Schedule Here is the schedule for the Celtics vs. Cavaliers series, with all times in Eastern Standard Time: – Game 1: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Tuesday, May 7 (7 p.m., TNT) – Game 2: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Thursday, May 9 (7 p.m., ESPN)
– Game 3: Celtics vs. Cavaliers, Saturday, May 11 (8:30 p.m., ABC) – Game 4: Celtics vs. Cavaliers, Monday, May 13 (7 p.m., TNT) – Game 5: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Wednesday, May 15 (TBD, TNT) * – Game 6: Celtics vs. Cavaliers, Friday, May 17 (TBD, ESPN) * – Game 7: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Sunday, May 19 (TBD, TBD) *
Top Storyline The key question is whether Donovan Mitchell will get enough support from his teammates. Mitchell is an outstanding postseason performer, with 30 or more points in 23 of his 51 playoff games. Despite his efforts, the Cavaliers' offense struggled in the first round, averaging just one point per possession
across seven games against the Orlando Magic. The Celtics have a formidable defense that can make scoring difficult for Mitchell, with multiple defenders capable of containing him. The spotlight is on Darius Garland, who had a down season and averaged only 14.9 points in the first round.
Key Focus The Celtics might be without their starting center, Porzingis, making the frontcourt thinner. Al Horford's move to the starting lineup also impacts the Celtics' bench depth. On the other side, the Cavaliers are dealing with injuries to key players like Jarrett Allen, who missed the last three games of the first round, and Dean Wade. Cleveland's frontcourt could be stretched thin if Allen and Wade can't return soon.
Points of Interest – Boston's Shot Selection: The Celtics rely heavily on jump shots, with a league-high 57% of their regular-season shots coming from outside the paint. In the first round, this rate was even higher at 58%, indicating a reliance on perimeter shooting. Without Porzingis, they need to create more opportunities near the basket and convert defensive stops into transition plays. – Cleveland's Bench Production: Boston's bench has been strong, but Cleveland's bench ranked 15th in the regular season and 11th in the first round. Georges Niang's minutes were reduced in the first round, and the Cavs need more from their reserves. Returns from Allen or Wade could bolster their depth.