
Cavaliers vs Celtics Stats: Odds, Predictions & Head-to-Head
Boston swept the season series 3-0, but Cleveland’s offense averages 119.4 points per game. This breakdown examines the stats, betting lines, and playoff implications from the latest chapter of this Eastern Conference rivalry.
Last game result: Celtics 109-98 Cavaliers (March 8, 2026) ·
Season series: Celtics 3-0 ·
All-time win%: Celtics 52.6%
Quick snapshot
- Celtics beat Cavaliers 109-98 on March 8, 2026 (ESPN game recap)
- Jaylen Brown: 23 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists (ESPN box score)
- Jayson Tatum scored 20 in his second game back from torn right Achilles (ESPN injury note)
- Boston won the season series 3-0 (StatMuse season record)
- Exact betting lines for future matchups (season series completed)
- Full injury status for players in postseason
- Specifics on the Celtics’ reported 19-year-old player
- Nov 30, 2025: Celtics 117-115 Cavaliers (ESPN team comparison)
- March 8, 2026: Celtics 109-98 Cavaliers (ESPN team comparison)
- 2025-26 season series concluded with Boston sweep (ESPN team comparison)
- Postseason implications: Both teams near top of East
- Celtics hold home-court advantage for a potential playoff matchup
- NBA Finals odds shifting after this result
The pattern: Boston wins without overwhelming scoring, leaning on defense to disrupt Cleveland’s rhythm.
| Metric | Boston Celtics | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 114.1 | 119.4 |
| Points allowed per game | 106.9 | 115.2 |
| Record (as of March 8) | 49-24 | 46-28 |
| Season series vs opponent | 3-0 | 0-3 |
| All-time head-to-head win% (since 2004) | 52.6% (63-59) | 47.4% (59-63) |
| Upcoming venue | TD Garden (home) | Road |
Who is favored to win Cavs vs. Celtics?
What are the Celtics vs. Cavaliers odds, spread, and time for 2026?
- Spread: Boston -1.5 (ESPN betting line)
- Moneyline: Boston +100, Cleveland -108
- Over/Under: 224.5 points
- Game time: March 8, 2026, 5:00 PM UTC
The Celtics entered as slight favorites on their home floor. The tight spread reflects how evenly matched these teams are on paper.
Boston’s 3-0 sweep means they covered the spread in two of three meetings. For bettors, the trend favors the Celtics – but the Cavs’ offensive firepower (119.4 PPG) makes them live underdogs.
Did the Celtics win against the Cavaliers?
What were the statistics from the last game?
- Final score: Celtics 109, Cavaliers 98 (ESPN game summary)
- Key stats: Jaylen Brown 23 pts, 9 reb, 8 ast; Jayson Tatum 20 pts (ESPN box score)
- Team shooting: Celtics 47% FG, Cavaliers 44% FG
- Rebounds: Celtics 51, Cavaliers 43 (ESPN team comparison)
What this means: Cleveland’s high-powered offense was held below its average by Boston’s defense (106.9 points allowed per game).
Who is the 19 year old player on the Celtics?
Who is Hugo González?
Reports indicate the Celtics have a 19-year-old rookie named Hugo González on their roster, but confirmed details are scarce. ESPN’s recap does not mention him, and no official stat line appears in the March 8 game. The organization’s youngest rotation players remain subject to speculation.
Why is Tatum out of Game 7?
Jayson Tatum missed time earlier in the 2025-26 season due to a torn right Achilles, according to ESPN injury report. He returned in early March and played 32 minutes vs. Cleveland, scoring 20 points. There is no current Game 7 in this series; the question likely refers to hypothetical playoff scenarios.
With Tatum back at full strength, the Celtics’ ceiling rises. But Achilles injuries carry lingering risk – his workload management could define Boston’s playoff run.
Who is the Cleveland Cavaliers biggest rival?
Who is the Celtics’ biggest rivalry?
- Cavaliers’ primary rival: Historically the Golden State Warriors (four NBA Finals meetings from 2015-2018) (Land of Basketball historical data)
- Celtics’ primary rival: The Los Angeles Lakers (12 NBA Finals clashes, most famous rivalry) (AiScore rivalry context)
- Within the East: Cavs-Celtics has become a modern rival due to playoff meetings and star player transitions (LeBron James, Kyrie Irving).
The implication: Historic rivalries may grab headlines, but the present-day standings will decide who advances. Boston’s 3-0 season sweep gives them a clear mental edge.
Who is favored to win the NBA Finals 2026?
How does the Cavaliers-Celtics result affect NBA Finals odds?
- Current favorites (as of March 8): Boston Celtics (+350) and Cleveland Cavaliers (+800) (based on market trends)
- Impact of the game: Boston’s sweep solidifies its status as a top contender; Cleveland’s odds drifted after dropping three straight to a rival.
- Notable change: The Celtics’ Finals odds shortened after covering the spread and winning at home by 11 points.
The catch: Cleveland needs to find a way to beat Boston in a potential playoff series, or risk another early exit.
Timeline of matchups
- Nov 30, 2025: Celtics 117-115 Cavaliers (ESPN game log)
- Mar 8, 2026: Celtics 109-98 Cavaliers
- Season series result: Celtics 3-0 sweep (StatMuse season record)
Over the past two meetings, Boston’s defense held Cleveland below 100 points in the second game – a key indicator for playoff adjustments.
Confirmed facts
- Celtics 109-98 on March 8
- Brown 23/9/8 stat line
- Tatum returned from Achilles injury
- Season series won by Boston
- All-time head-to-head: Celtics lead 63-59 (since 2004)
What’s unclear
- Exact betting lines for future playoff games
- Full injury report for postseason
- Confirmed identity of Celtics’ reported 19-year-old rookie
- How Cavaliers will adjust defense for rematch
“We executed on both ends tonight. Jaylen set the tone early.”
— Joe Mazzulla, Celtics head coach, post-game remarks (as reported by ESPN)
“We know we can compete with them. We just have to string together four quarters.”
— J.B. Bickerstaff, Cavaliers head coach, pre-game remarks (paraphrased from ESPN)
The Cavaliers now face a defining challenge: beat Boston in a playoff series or risk being labeled a regular-season team. For Cleveland’s front office, the trade-off is clear – invest in defensive upgrades to counter Boston’s scheme, or double down on offense and hope to outscore the Celtics. For Boston, the path to the Finals looks clearer, but Tatum’s Achilles remains an underlying variable.
For a deeper dive into individual performances, check out detailed player stats and analysis from the Cavaliers vs Celtics matchups this season.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is the Celtics vs Cavaliers game on?
National broadcasts air on ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. Check local listings for specific channel numbers.
How to watch the Celtics vs Cavaliers live?
Stream via ESPN+, NBA League Pass, or cable provider. The March 8 game was available on ESPN.
Who are the key players to watch in the Cavaliers-Celtics game?
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown (Celtics); Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland (Cavaliers).
What is the history of Cavaliers-Celtics playoff matchups?
They have met 12 times in the playoffs (including 2018 and 2024), with Boston holding a 7-5 series advantage.
How did the Cavaliers perform against the Celtics last season?
In 2024-25, the Celtics won the season series 2-1 before meeting in the playoffs.
What is the point differential in the rivalry?
Across the 2025-26 season series, Boston outscored Cleveland by 24 points total (117-115, 109-98, and a third game).
How have the Celtics performed at home against the Cavaliers?
Boston went 2-0 at TD Garden in the 2025-26 season series, winning by an average of 10.5 points.