What’s up with the Cavaliers?
The Cavaliers snapped a three-game skid with a decisive win over the Toronto Raptors. Donovan Mitchell fired 35 points, highlighted by eight 3-pointers, while Jarrett Allen had a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double.
The team is currently fourth in the East with a 39-25 record. They can’t rest on their laurels as the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are right on their heels in a tight race for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Their next 11 matchups all come from the East with two meetings each against Boston, Miami, Charlotte, and Brooklyn. The next few games can have a huge impact of how the East will look like heading into the playoffs.
What’s up with the Celtics?
The Celtics, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing road loss against the Knicks. The big news coming out of New York was the first career ejection from Jayson Tatum. The four-time All-Star received a second technical foul after arguing a non-call on his jumper. He exited the game with just 14 points. Even though he tallied seven rebounds and nine assists, he went 6-for-18 from the field.
It was a poor showing from the outside for the Celtics as they shot a woeful 9-of-42 from deep versus the Knicks. With their perimeter shots not failing, they also failed to get to the free throw line, attempting only 14 shots. In comparison, the Knicks had 34 chances at the charity stripe, making 23.
The Celtics own a 44-18 record and are second in the East after the Miwaukee Bucks, winners of 15 straight games, overtook them for the top spot.
What happened the last time they met?
The Celtics are hoping that the third time’s the charm against the Cavaliers. These two squads have met twice already with both games going into overtime and the Cavs winning.
In their first encounter, Caris LeVert and Mitchell scored 41 points apiece on the road. The second time they met was in early November in Cleveland where Darius Garland returned from an eye injury to drop 29 points backed by Mitchell who had 25.
