Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers prediction, odds, TV channel

Nov 15, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (3) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (3) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers take the floor tonight for their third and final matchup this season, these two rosters will look a whole hell of a lot different than the prior two matchups.

The absences caused by the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 pandemic that has taken a sledgehammer to the last three NBA seasons has taken a stranglehold over both teams, with both missing several starters.

Cleveland has been rocked a bit more tonight in that department, with Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Isaac Okoro all missing due to the league’s Health and Safety protocols. Meanwhile, the Cs will be missing Al Horford and his typical replacement starter Grant Williams.

Just like Monday, we have a matchup that’s more suitable for live bettors, but Hardwood Houdini is still here to dish out some odds, TV channel info, and a prediction ahead of Wednesday’s action:

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers odds, spread, over/under

According to WynnBet, the Celtics are a 5.5-point favorites against the Cavaliers at home. Cleveland is a +185 underdog on the road, with the Cs moneyline set at -220. The over/under for the game has been placed at 216 points.

Cleveland comes into this one red-hot, currently sporting a six-game win-streak. Boston has been inconsistent of late, alternating wins and losses in their last four.

Celtics vs. Cavs TV channel

The NBA did not anticipate Cleveland being this good (#3 seed in the east) so you’ll have to catch the action on Bally Sports Ohio or NBC Sports Boston locally unless you have NBA League Pass.

Celtics vs. Cavs prediction

Cleveland is wildly short-handed, but can we really anticipate the Celtics winning games they are favored in at this point?

Perhaps Joe Johnson’s return could spark the TD Garden crowd, but the Houdini would rather plop money down on the under here.

Pick: 216u (-110)