Seven months ago, nobody would have been surprised to learn that the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals would pit the Celtics against the Cavaliers. In fact, most probably would have expected these two teams to be where they are.
Yet, after a season filled with drama for both franchises, with the Cavs trading away half of their team midway through the season and the Celts losing both Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving to injuries, the match-up isn’t quite what many would have expected in the preseason.
The Cavaliers, looking to reach their fourth consecutive NBA Finals, are considered to be the favorite by most, as they still have the best player in the world on their side. LeBron James is averaging a ridiculous 34.9/9.4/9.0 so far this postseason and the Celtics and head coach Brad Stevens will have their hands full trying to contain him throughout the series.
The regular season series finished in favor of Cleveland, with the Cavaliers blowing out the Celtics in Boston back in February after the teams each won a game on their home floor earlier in the season.
However, the first game the teams played – in the season opener – was marred by Hayward’s injury, and the win in February by Cleveland saw huge contributions by newly acquired players Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, and Larry Nance – players who have seen their minutes reduced this postseason.
So what do you think? Which team do you expect to represent the East in the NBA Finals? Place your vote, then jump into the comment section below to discuss the series.
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Cavs in 6. CLE1, BOS2, CLE3, CLE4, BOS5, CLE6.
Agree Cavs in 6
Agree with Mike and ZA… Cavs in 6
Who is Mike?
Sorry bro
Cavs in 6 games. Possibly 5 or 7 the though. Celtics just don’t have enough star power to take down LeBron.
they have plenty of people capable of guarding him though
Totally agree with you guys, Cleveland in 5/6 & another final for Lebron, unbelievable!
I think Cavs in 5, only to get swept by the Dubs..
Props to the Bron for getting the worst team in history to the finals :p what he does yet again reminds me of the American Gods tv show no way hyperbaric chamber or cupping gets him 35/9/9!
Heart wants Boston. I think they CAN do it if they play Cleveland how they played Philly. The key will be making the others beat the Cs. Guys like Korver and Smith and TT and Clarkson will have to beat them on top of LeBron and Love. I’m on record saying Cleveland in 5 or 6 but this Boston team has a shot.
Lebron in 6. Celtics are a way better team. They can throw so much at them defensively with a bunch of different looks. Doesn’t matter. Only way they win is if all of Rozier Brown,Tatum, Horford, and someone else play really well every time. It’s just really hard to bet against Lebron most of the time
I guess you missed the last game played between these two. Celtics were blown out in their own floor. “Way better team”. Dude. They played the bucks and sixers. Cavs don’t make the kind of mistakes those two teams did on a nightly basis.
Celtics in 7
As a Boston fan I’d love to see the Celtics win and go to the ship, but let’s face it the title will go to the west. Both the rockets and golden state are far better teams then Cle and Boston. Granted bring back smart Irving and heyward odds are Boston takes it all. So at this point I’m just looking at next season
Cavs in whatever it takes.
With a healthy George Hill, Cavs in 7.
I’ve continually gone back to the Chuck Daly “Jordan Rules”.
Can LBJ last for 4 straight games doing all of the scoring?
This to me currently is the only way to beat CC.
Boston in 7; Carbon is gonna run out of gas!