Still far from concluding the finals, I guess one series at a time, Boston as you mentioned have that advantage against those 3 squads who manage to move to the semis as they got the experienced though I guess it will be a tough final in the East as both Pacers and Knicks got that determinations to win, it's been a long time since these two squads manage to move forward and really aiming to comeback and have that chance for the season finals and if possible to win a title.
Boston aren't that solid IMO, so I think the Cavaliers here has a chance of winning the series. Seems like everyone is still so hype with Boston, yes, they have a good record this season but this is playoffs, and many times we witness how they choke, so it could also happen in this series.
This season, they met 3 times and Boston have 2-1 lead in that series.
Mar 05, '24 CLE 105 - 104
Dec 14, '23 BOS 116 - 107
Dec 12, '23 BOS 120 - 113
It's just a signle digit win but in game 1 the Celtics are -11. I know they are fresh compared to the Cavaliers that just recently concluded its series, but currrent active roster of the cavaliers won't give up easily, they proved that on their game 7 come back win.
Both teams have something that's lacking or at least might affect them negatively.
You said it already that Boston chokes in close games because they don't have somebody that can be relied on in clutch moments. As for Cleveland, relying solely on Mitchell on offense isn't sustainable. It's like we are seeing a Lebron James 2.0 when he carried his whole team in the NBA Finals and his teammates literally aren't having that much impact. That's what's happening now again in Cleveland. I don't think that that strategy of relying on one player in offense will work in the playoffs.
The Celtics have a long break after winning against the Heat in 5 games. On the other hand, the Cavaliers just won against the Magic in hard-fought 7 game series and only has a few days to rest. With how convincing they won against the Heat, I believe that the momentum that they built will retain when they fact the Cavaliers therefore, I think they will win on this game. How many games? I will not be surprised if this will end up in 5 games, but the most realistic is 6. I don't see it going into 7 games.