The big picture

Boston Celtics come in 4th on the ladder; Cleveland Cavaliers are 17th. Boston Celtics have the higher position to protect.

Boston Celtics are 7–2 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 114.8 points for and 105.1 against.

Cleveland Cavaliers are 5–4 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 119.2 points for and 114.7 against.

Form

Boston Celtics have won four of their last five and most recently beat Charlotte Hornets 119–80.

Cleveland Cavaliers have won two of their last five and most recently beat Philadelphia 76ers 119–95.

Head to head

These sides have met 123 times on our records since 2001: Boston Celtics 68, Cleveland Cavaliers 55.

Last time out (2025-26), Boston Celtics won 109–98 at Rocket Arena.

Boston Celtics have won the last three against Cleveland Cavaliers.

Biggest margin between these two: Cleveland Cavaliers by 44 points in 2016-17 (130–86).

Players to watch

For Boston Celtics, watch Jayson Tatum (27.9 points a game, 50 rebounds in 2026-27) and Paul George (19.6 points a game, 44 rebounds in 2026-27).

For Cleveland Cavaliers, watch Donovan Mitchell (22.6 points a game, 47 rebounds in 2026-27) and Evan Mobley (19.1 points a game, 72 rebounds in 2026-27).

At TD Garden

Boston Celtics have won 18 of their last 23 at TD Garden.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, Boston Celtics go in as clear favourites.