Boston Celtics Game Tonight: Celtics vs Cavaliers Injury Report, Starting Lineup, Predictions, TV Channel for March 1

The Boston Celtics look to bounce back from their first post-All-Star break loss when they take on the Cavaliers on Wednesday, March 1. Against the Knicks in a 109-94 loss at MSG on February 27, the Cs shot a dismal 21.4% from the 3-point line on 42 shot attempts.

Obviously, that number needs to improve against a Cleveland team that is anchored defensively by a pair of rim-protecting bigs (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley). With the return of Jaylen Brown to the lineup, there’s a strong likelihood the C’s offense will be improved.

That will only happen if Jayson Tatum shoots better than the 6/18 from the field and 1/9 from beyond the arc showing against New York. The Celtics’ MVP candidate had four turnovers to make matters even worse.

Does Cleveland’s top-ranked defense put the Cs down for a second straight loss? Or is a bounce-back in store for Boston?

Cleveland Cavaliers: 9th (ORtg), 3rd (DRtg), 30th (Pace), 2nd (NRtg)
Boston Celtics: 3rd (ORtg), 4th (DRtg), 17th (Pace), 1st (NRtg)

Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup

PG – Marcus Smart, SG – Jaylen Brown, SF – Jayson Tatum,  PF – Al Horford, C – Robert Williams III

Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Starting Lineup

PG – Darius Garland, SG – Donovan Mitchell, SF – Isaac Okoro, PF – Evan Mobley, C – Jarrett Allen

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report

Celtics PF/C Mike Muscala (knee) – Questionable

Cavaliers SF Cedi Osman (back) – Questionable

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction

The Celtics at full strength are hard to bet against, but the Cavaliers deserve more respect than the six and a half points Vegas has Boston laying. Thus far, Cleveland has knocked off the Cs twice, though both came in overtime.

That makes sense for sportsbooks to see Boston turning the tables tonight, but this should be a close game.

Celtics 128 Cavaliers 124