The Celtics have covered seven of their last nine games and have shown a tenacious grit, but I think the biggest difference in this series will bet he playoff experience. The Sixers wilted due to just never being in the situation, and they also got outcoached. Boston's home-court edge is significant, but just after LeBron James got all his new players they went into Boston -- with Kyrie Irving playing -- and won 121-99. LeBron does what he wants when he wants to, and it's go time -- legacy time -- right now. I'm on Cleveland in Game 1.

The Celtics are undefeated at home in the playoffs, but oddsmakers still appear hesitant to give them respect, as the spread in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals suggests. LeBron James and the Cavaliers have covered in five of their past six trips to Boston, but this club is 0-5 ATS when playing on three or more days of rest. They made a statement with their sweep of the Raptors, but look for them to still have a bit of a celebratory haze Sunday. Boston takes advantage and goes up 1-0 in the series.

My data sees at least 215 points hitting the board Sunday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Cavaliers and Celtics, a scoring pace that would crush the Over against this modest NBA total. The Over is on a 16-5 run in Boston home games, while Cleveland is on a 5-1 run to the Over in the postseason.