Celtics vs. Cavaliers prediction, odds, spread, time: 2023 NBA picks, Dec. 14 best bets from proven model

The Boston Celtics (17-5) will host the Cleveland Cavaliers (13-11) on Thursday night. These teams will square off three times this season, but this will be the second of a back-to-back as on Tuesday, Boston defeated Cleveland 120-113. The Celtics are currently seventh in the NBA in scoring (117.4), while Cleveland ranks seventh in points allowed (110.7). Evan Mobley (knee) is out for the Cavs, while Jaylen Brown (ankle) is questionable on Boston’s side. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics are 9-point favorites in the latest Cavaliers vs. Celtics odds, while the over/under for total points is 225. Before making any Celtics vs. Cavaliers picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 8 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 97-51 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning more than $4,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Cavaliers vs. Celtics and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Celtics vs. Cavaliers:

• Cavaliers vs. Celtics spread: Boston -9
• Cavaliers vs. Celtics over/under: 225 points 
• Cavaliers vs. Celtics money line: Boston -403, Cleveland +317
• CLE: The Cavs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Boston
• BOS: The Celtics are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games 
• Cavaliers vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Celtics can cover

Center Kristaps Porzingis plays with high energy on both sides of the floor. The 28-year-old shoots the ball well from deep but also has good moves in the paint. Porzingis defends the paint, logging 1.6 blocks per game while also averaging 19.2 points and 6.6 rebounds. In his last contest, Porzingis notched 21 points and 10 boards.

Guard Derrick White is another well-rounded scorer who is a good shooter off the dribble and owns the moves to create space. The Colorado product logs 15.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He’s also second on the team in 3-point percentage (42.5%). On Dec. 8 against the Knicks, White supplied 30 points, three assists, and two steals. See which team to pick here.

Why the Cavaliers can cover

Guard Donovan Mitchell excels on the floor in a variety of ways. Mitchell has a great ability to drive to the rack but can knock down shots on the perimeter. The four-time All-Star ranks eighth in the league in scoring (27.4) to go along with 5.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per contest. On Dec. 6 versus the Orlando Magic, Mitchell finished with 35 points, seven boards, and six assists.

Guard Darius Garland joins Mitchell in the backcourt. Garland provides Cleveland with a consistent playmaker. The Vanderbilt product gets to the rim easily and owns a reliable floater. Garland averages 20.8 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. On Dec. 11 against Orlando, he dropped a season-high 36 points, six boards, and five assists. See which team to pick here.

How to make Cavaliers vs. Celtics picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 228 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in almost 60% of simulations. You can only see the model’s picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Celtics vs. Cavaliers, and which side of the spread hits in almost 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Cavaliers vs. Celtics spread you need to jump on Thursday, all from the model on a 97-51 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.