Celtics vs Cavaliers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's NBA Game

Phil Naessens - Contributor at Covers.com
Phil Naessens • Betting Analyst +19 years betting experience
Updated: Mar 8, 2026 , 08:43 AM ET • 4 min read

Our Celtics vs. Cavaliers predictions expect some playoff-level defense from both squads this afternoon.

NBA

Mar 08 • 1:00 PM ET
BOS
55 %
CLE
45 %
EXPERT PICK - TOTAL
u224.0 (-110)
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Donovan Mitchell Cleveland Cavaliers NBA
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Donovan Mitchell drives to the hoop against this Boston Celtics defense.

There’s a playoff atmosphere at Rocket Arena between two Eastern Conference heavyweights when the Boston Celtics visit the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Today’s clash will be played at a snail's pace, and my Celtics vs. Cavaliers predictions and NBA picks expect a low-scoring playoff-type contest. 

Celtics vs Cavaliers prediction

Celtics vs Cavaliers best bet: Under 224 (-105)

The Boston Celtics rank near the bottom of the NBA in pace and allow about 109 points per game, but they also boast an elite defense, allowing the fewest points per game in the Association.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are also a Bottom-5 team in pace and, when they're healthy, like they are today, boast an above-average defense of their own.'

We’re looking at a game with about 198 possessions between two Eastern Conference teams with championship aspirations. Expect a playoff atmosphere and a low-scoring affair at Rocket Arena. 

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Celtics vs Cavaliers same-game parlay

Jaylen Brown has failed to score at least 26 points in three of his last five, while James Harden will likely become more of a playmaker with Donovan Mitchell expected to return to the Cavs lineup. 

Celtics vs Cavaliers SGP

  • Under 224
  • Jaylen Brown Under 25.5 points
  • James Harden Under 19.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Spida's victorious return

The Cavaliers have won seven straight games at Rocket Arena, and Mitchell’s return should give the Cavs the scoring boost they need to sneak past Boston for the first time in three tries. 

Celtics vs Cavaliers SGP

  • Under 224
  • Jaylen Brown Under 25.5 points
  • James Harden Under 19.5 points
  • Cavaliers moneyline

Celtics vs Cavaliers odds

  • Spread: Celtics +1 | Cavaliers -1
  • Moneyline: Celtics -105 | Cavaliers -115
  • Over/Under: Over 224 | Under 224

Celtics vs Cavaliers betting trend to know

The Cavaliers have won 17 of their last 22 games for +11.05 units and a 18% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Cavaliers.

How to watch Celtics vs Cavaliers

Location Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date Sunday, March 8, 2026
Tip-off 1:00 p.m. ET
TV ABC

Celtics vs Cavaliers latest injuries

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Phil Naessens
Betting Analyst

Prior to joining Covers in 2022, Phil Naessens spent 38 years as a resident tennis pro in Las Vegas, Mykonos, and Corfu, Greece. He’s the past host of the Phil Naessens Show (Armed Forces Radio), and currently hosts the Crush and Rush Tennis Podcast.

Phil is the author of the Betting 101 series (MLB, NFL, NCAAF, and Tennis) and has written for numerous publications, including Advance Local, SB Nation, FanSided, and Lenny Melnick Fantasy Sports. 

His favorite sports to bet on are tennis, MLB, WNBA, Euro men’s and women’s hoops, NCAA sports, NFL, and the NBA. Phil has numerous betting accounts in the US and Europe, and his best advice is to line shop for the best value possible.

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