Cleveland at Boston

The Celtics, to be sure will be glad to be back home. They have gotten nothing done in the playoffs on the road, but have dominated at home. Why should things suddenly change here? The men in green have allowed just 75 ppg in the playoffs at home, and you can be sure the defensive volume will be turned up for this one. The playoffs have seen home teams that are usually dominant kick-it up this season. There is also a history of the conference semi's game 5's of playing to a huge advantage for the home team. The last nine years have shown the home team covering 70% of the time in game 5 in this round. The one constant for Boston at home is defense, and the same applies for Cleveland. It will set the tone early for this one. Boston has a statement to make after losing two in a row in Cleveland. The first two games in Boston averaged 79 total first half points. The Cavs are 26-14 UNDER in the first-half this season as an underdog (21-11 UNDER on the road). They are a perfect 9-0 UNDER in the first-half when they have held opponents to under 42% shooting the past five games. They are also 12-2 UNDER in the first-half this season vs. the leagues best teams (those at .700 or better). Finally, Cleveland is 10-1 UNDER in the first-half this season vs. teams that allow under 92 ppg and 8-0 UNDER in the first-half following a game in which 165 or fewer points were scored. Celtics and the first-half UNDER here.