The NBA Eastern Conference Finals featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics continues with game 6 on Friday night in Cleveland. This will be an elimination game as the Celtics currently lead the series, 3-2. The Celtics won game 5, 96-83, to push the Cavaliers to the brink of elimination.
The home team has won each of the first five games of this series, and the Cavaliers hope this trend continues on Friday night. The Celtics are 10-0 at home during these playoffs, but have yet to prove that they can consistently win on the road. LeBron James is trying to lead his Cavs team over the Celtics and reach the NBA Finals for the 8th straight year. The Cleveland Cavaliers are -7 over the Boston Celtics on Friday.
Boston Doing it With Defense
The Boston Celtics are leading the Conference Finals in large part to their defense. The Celtics were again able to slow down LeBron in game 5 and are now one win away from the NBA Finals. The Celtics held King James to just 26 points in game 5, and also forced LeBron to commit 6 turnovers. The Celtics are loaded with explosive and athletic defenders and they are taking their turns wearing down James.
Jayson Tatum was the offensive star in game 5, and has been the Celtics MVP this postseason. The 20 year old rookie scored 24 points in the win which was his 9th 20 point game of this postseason. Veteran Al Horford also had a solid game for the Celtics, finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
LeBron James Looks Worn Out
LeBron has done all he can do this entire series, but he looked worn out both physically and emotionally in the second half of game 5. James was held to just 2 fourth quarter points and was unable to bail out his Cavs teammates. LeBron is still capable of leading his team to a series win, but having to carry the entire team is taking a toll on the veteran.
The rest of the Cavaliers team, especially the starters, must play better in game 6 in support of LeBron. The other 4 starters were outscored by King James in the game 5 loss, and must provide scoring if the Cavs are going to stave off elimination. The Cavaliers have looked like a much better team at home this entire postseason, and they hope for the same thing in game 6.
Cavs Even Series in Blowout
The Celtics are the better team in this series, and they look like they will represent the Eastern Conference in the Finals. The problem for the Celtics, though, is that they have yet to show that they can win on the road. Boston has a roster full of talented youngsters, but it’s hard for a group of young kids to win big playoff games on the road.
The Cavs failed to compete at a high level in game 5, but playing at home will give them a boost in game 6. LeBron will not let his team go down easily, and will give one more legendary performance in these playoffs. King James will get the support he needs in game 6, and the Cavs will blow out the Celtics to force a game 7. Take the Cleveland Cavaliers -7 over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 on Friday.
