NBA Predictions Tonight (November 19): Cavaliers vs Celtics Betting Odds and Best Bets

It's Tuesday, and you know what that means. NBA Cup games are back, and we have an East Group C long-awaited matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers (15-0, 7-0 away) and the Boston Celtics (11-3, 4-2 home). Two of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference, this should be pure cinema tonight. Especially since it's first time Cleveland and the Celtics will square off since the 2024 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

 (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Off to a franchise-best 15-0 start on the NBA season, can the Cavaliers chase the Warriors 24-0 start back in 2015-2016? Second place in Group C, the Cavaliers lead their cup group with a +18 point differential. The Celtics remain in third place, at 0-1, with a -1 point differential. While NBA Cup games are highly competitive, I expect this matchup to be neck-and-neck.

Heading into the matchup as -5.5 point favorites at home, the Celtics have won two straight, including a thrilling 126-123 OT victory over the Raptors. Despite blowing a 10 point lead, Jayson Tatum's three-pointer at the buzzer secured the victory for Boston. With a dominant 139-114 victory over the Nets on Wednesday, the Celtics 74 second half points proved too much for Brooklyn.

While their strength of schedule is the 6th weakest in the NBA, Cleveland is still impressively undefeated. Led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the Cavaliers are coming off a 128-114 victory over the Hornets. Keeping the streak alive, It was Mitchell who earned a well deserved rest day. Even in the absence of the star guard, Ty Jerome erupted for 24 points in the starting lineup.

Odds Are Current As Of November 19 AT 7 A.M. ET

In what could be the primetime matchup of the year, tipoff is slated to begin at 7 p.m. ET, located at the TD Garden in Boston. Set to air on TNT, this is a matchup you don't want to miss!

In this article, I will provide my three best bets and predictions for the Cavaliers and the Celtics matchup tonight. A mix of spread and player prop bets, I am up nearly 5 units on the month. With a NBA betting record of 29-10 in the month of November, let's stay hot!

Once again keeping my bank roll management in mind, I chose to place one unit on each bet separately. Up close to 30 units for two months in a row, I place 2-3 % of my overall bank roll on each wager. If you're tailing my NBA bets, I've placed all of my picks within FanDuel Sportsbook. 

Let's take a took into my top three best bets, picks, and  predictions for the Cavaliers vs Celtics showdown tonight!

Are you looking to bet on the NBA with us all season long? We have compiled a list of the best sports betting offers here. 

NBA Cup Bets: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics FanDuel Betting Odds For November 19

MONEYLINE

• CLEVELAND CAVALIERS:  +152
• BOSTON CELTICS: -180

SPREAD

• CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: +5.5
• BOSTON CELTICS: -5.5

OVER/UNDER (TOTAL)

• OVER: 235 (-110)
• UNDER: 235 (-110)

Last Five H2H Matchups: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics

• May 15, 2024: Celtics 113, Cavaliers 98 (Cleveland +15.5, Over 205)
• May 13, 2024: Celtics 109, Cavaliers 102 (Cleveland +11, Over 204)
• May 11, 2024: Celtics 106, Cavaliers 93 (Boston -7.5, Under 211)
• May 9, 2024: Cavaliers 118, Celtics 94 (Cleveland +13, Under 212.5)
• May 7,2024: Celtics 120, Cavaliers 95 (Boston -12.5, Over 211.5)

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Injury Report

CAVALIERS

1. Dean Wade, F: OUT (Ankle)
2. Isaac Okoro: F: Day-To-Day (Ankle)
3. Caris LeVert, G: Day-To-Day (Knee)
4. Sam Merrill, G: OUT (Ankle)
5. Max Strus, G: OUT (Hip)
6. Emoni Bates, F: OUT (Knee)

CELTICS

1. Payton Pritchard, G: Day-To-Day (Thumb)
2. Kristaps Porzingis, C: OUT (Foot)

NBA Best Bets and Predictions for Tuesday, November 19: Cavaliers vs Celtics

NBA Spread Bet: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics

• Cavaliers +5.5 (-110 FanDuel)

Cleveland Cavaliers 2024-2025 spread record: 11-4

My first pick and prediction for tonight, I placed one unit on the Cleveland Cavaliers to cover the +5.5 underdog spread on the road vs the Celtics. I know the Celtics are the heavy favorites at home, however, do the books realize Cleveland is a perfect 15-0? Aside from that, the Cavaliers have some key players out tonight in Sam Merrill, Max Strus, and Dean Wade. If Osaac Okoro and Caris LaVert are able to lace up tonight, I'm fairly confident in this pick.

One of my best bets of tonight, both the Cavaliers and Celtics are nearly identical on paper in terms or ratings and stats. Ranking no. 1 (Cleveland) and no. 2 (Boston) in offensive rating, both teams are elite on the offensive end. Putting up more points than any other team in the NBA, the Cavaliers lead the NBA with 52.4 field goal percentage.

Attempting more shots than any other team, they additionally lead in three-point percentage (41.9 %). This is in large part due to Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell playing at an all-star caliber level.

The difference offensively between these two teams, the Celtics attempt more trey balls (51) more than any team. Leading by a wide margin, the Celtics don't shoot at the highest clip. However, they've burned teams with the deep ball, living and dying by the three. One of the deepest benches in the league, the Cavaliers supporting cast average a 7th best 28 PPG. While that may change with numerous players on the injury report, they have the talent to keep up with Boston.

The Cavaliers Are 2-0 ATS As Underdogs

Overall, there hasn't been many times the Cavaliers have been considered the underdogs. 2-0 ATS as underdogs, Cleveland more than covered the +2 spread vs the Knicks (110-104), and +2 against the Bucks (116-114). And while they get the scary defending champs, the Cavaliers have been extremely efficient, covering 6-2 ATS on the road. Although the energy is electric at the garden, the Celtics are just 2-4 ATS at home, and 7-6-1 as spread favorites.

While still an elite team in the hunt for another championship, the Celtics are a vastly different team without big man Kristaps Porzingis. Slated to play their fourth game in six days, Boston is in the midst of a four game home stretch. After sneaking out a 108-104 victory over Brooklyn, conceding to the Hawks 117-116, and defeating the Raptors in overtime 126-123, it's hard to say Boston's dominant.

Sure, they are marking themselves in the win column, however, two of their last three games have been decided by one point or less. Furthermore, the past five matchups have come vs sub .500 teams.

The Celtics Haven's Been Playing Their Best Basketball

No disrespect to the Celtics, but how does Boston secure a one point victory over a Raptors team that's 3-12? Sure, the Celtics have arguably the best starting five in Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford. A true 6MOY candidate, Payton Pritchard has been a crucial part of Boston's success this season. If unable to suit up, Boston may be in trouble.

If you're tailing my NBA best bets and picks, this is an important NBA Cup game, in which Cleveland and Boston are in the same group. Every win, and point differential counts, meaning I expect this game to be fairly close. Especially given Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are having  career-years shooting wise.

Leading the NBA with a +12.5 point differential, Cleveland has the slight end over the Celtics +10.4 point differential. The main reason why I do believe the Cavaliers can cover is their ability to score inside the paint. Fourth in inside points (53.6), the Celtics allow the fourth most points in the paint (53.1). This is mainly due to the absence of rim protector Kristpas Porzingis. While Al Horford is a solid big man, he can't replace the Latvian native.

Final NBA Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers +5.5 (-110 FanDuel)

11-4 ATS on the season, Cleveland is coming off back-to-back massive ten point favorable spreads vs the Hornets and Bulls. While the last five games haven't been particularly challenging, Cleveland has a +50 point differential over that time span. With an average of +10.2, I'm confident they can cover tonight. Destroying Golden State 136-117 should speak volumes.

Having stated 7-0 ATS, Cleveland not only covered, but declared victory over the Knicks, Lakers, and Magic. While neither of those games were particularly close, I do believe the spread should be thinner tonight. With that said, it's contingent with injuries.

To conclude my best bet for tonight, both the Cavaliers and Celtics are top 10 teams defensively. Although the Cavaliers play at a much higher pace than the Celtics, they are identical in opponent points per game (111.4). While Boston has regressed some on the defensive end, the Cavaliers must defend the perimeter vs a heavy three-point shooting team tonight. Allowing teams to shoot 37.8 % from deep, that can't happen tonight. With +6.4 field goal and +4.1 three-point differential, expect Cleveland to fight until the very end. Cup games are competitive, and the point differential matters.

 Player Prop Best Bet #1: Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley 2024-2025 Season Stats

G: 14 | PPG: 18.1 | FG: 57.1 % | FT: 81.8 % | 3PT : 37.5 % | REB: 8.8 | AST: 2.4 | STL: 0.9 | BLK: 1.5

• Over 16.5 Points (-108 FanDuel)

My second pick of tonight, I placed on unit on Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley to record over 16.5 points tonight vs the Celtics. I would've preferred the original line of 15.5, however, we'll roll with this tonight.

If we look at the past matchups, how can we forget the eruption of Mobley in last year's semi-finals vs Boston. Exploding for 33 points and 7 rebounds in game four, Mobley averaged 21.4 points through the series. And may I add, Porzingis was not available due to injury for that series. A career 15.8 scorer, Mobley knows how to score against the Celtics. However, he will have a tough matchup against Boston, who ranks second vs forwards in scoring.

Averaging a career-high 18.1 points per game, Mobley's taken his game to new heights, and that's with all the depth on Cleveland. Putting up heavy minutes for Kenny Atkinson (30.6), Mobley's three-point (37.5 %), and free-throw percentages (81.8 %) are the highest of his career. Now Mobley gets a Celtics squad who've been more than forgiving to power forwards. Most recently we witnessed:

• RJ Barrett (25)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (43)
• Jalen Johnson (20)
• Bennedict Mathurin (30)

all score over 19.5 points since October 30. While this prop line is the highest of the season, Mobley's point average is much higher than the prop line. With that said. Mobley's scored 17+ points in 7/14 games this season, including 23 and 17 vs the Warriors and Bucks. What was more impressive was Mobley's dominant 25 points vs the Lakers, and 17 vs the Knicks.

Final NBA Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Evan Mobley Over 16.5 Points (-108 FanDuel)

If Okoro is unable to suit up, I expect Mobley to be more a force in the front court. Coming off his third 23 point performance in November, Mobley's shot volume and minutes has been fairly consistent. While Mobley doesn't take a ton of shots outside, expect him to score a majority in the paint, an area where the Celtics lack. We can't forget Garland and Mobley are excellent in the pick and roll. Expect Cleveland to try to beat Boston with this, especially since Jarrett Allen leads the NBA in pick and roll frequency.

Proven such a core part of the Cavaliers offense, I love Mobley to score OVER 16.5 points tonight. For nearly plus money, it has great value.

Player Prop Best Bet #2: Darius Garland

Darius Garland 2024-2025 Season Stats

G: 15 | PPG: 21.4 | FG: 51.5 % | FT: 93.2 % | 3PT : 45.5 % | REB: 2.4 | AST: 7.0 | STL: 1.2 | BLK: 0.3

• Over 19.5 Points (-106 FanDuel)

My third pick of tonight, I placed one unit on Cavaliers guard Darius Garland to score over 19.5 points vs the Celtics. I truly don't know how this line is almost at plus money, given Garland's point production is must higher than the prop line. Expecting this line to increase, grab it now while you can.

There's no doubt Garland is playing at an all-star level, and has taken his game to new heights this season. Pouring in 25 points vs the Hornets, Garland emerged as the Cavaliers top scoring threat, leading with 12 assists. A shift, fast guard, Garland is one of the most talented guards in the league, and now gets another shot vs the Celtics. This time, hopefully without a facial fracture.

Ranking 12th against guards, Garland will have quite the challenging matchup ahead vs the duo of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. A pair of the best two-way guards in the league, Garland's broke 20+ points just once in the last seven outings with Boston. However, we've seen on six occasions, Garlands erupted for 22, 28, 29, 26, and 30 points vs Boston. While a pair of Cavalier role players are out for tonight's game, I expect Garland to have a larger role, especially if LaVert is unable to suit up.

Why Darius Garland Is A Nightmare Matchup

Emerging as a top facilitator and scorer, Garland is averaging career-highs in field goal (52.5 %), and three-point percentage (45.5 %). Although 15 games is a small sample size, 14.9 shot attempts a game is nothing to sniff at. Although he ranks below Mitchell is the shooting volume category, how can I pass over this prop tonight, especially with these shooting percentages?

On his way to a career year, we have to look at Garland's production, especially over the last month. With back-to-back-to-back 25, 29, and 25 point performances, it's clear Garland has solidified himself as the second scoring option aside from Mitchell. With the ability to take over games, the Cavaliers guard has averaged 23.2 points in the month of November, including a season high 39 points vs Milwaukee.

Final NBA Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Darius Garland Over 19.5 Points (-106 FanDuel)

One of the most underrated guards in the NBA, Garland isn't nearly talked enough about. Coming off a season high 9-9 free-throw attempts, we are starting to see more aggression from Garland.

I love this prop for Darius Garland, given this is one of the biggest matchups of the year. Consistently putting up 30+ minutes, I don't expect Garland to come off the court much tonight. Either with a tough matchup, Garland's a guard who can score in a various ways. Off-ball threes, driving to the basket, he's a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. A craft guard who can create his own shot, I absolutely loved this draft pick in 2019.

Soaring over the line in 9/15 games, the points prop line has decreased from 22.5 last matchup. Over the last six games, Garland's been sizzling, averaging 24.8 points. While the Celtics are a pest on the defensive end, that have allowed the following guards to soar over their prop lines:

• Ziaire Williams (23)
• Dyson Daniels (28)
• Cam Thomas (31)
• Steph Curry (27)
• LaMello Ball (36, 31)

While those are primarily respective top scorers on their teams aside from Williams, expect Garland to score OVER 19.5 points tonight. Again for that value, it's extremely hard to pass up.