The Celtics have won three straight games, but it hasn’t been pretty. They easily dispatched the Bulls, but then defeated the Pelicans by just two points in New Orleans. They then needed to stage a big comeback to knock off the 76ers on Sunday, who were playing without Joel Embiid and Paul George. This is the third straight game on the road for the Celtics and their seventh road game over their last nine games. The Cavaliers are 24-3 at home this season, so asking the road-weary Celtics to come away with a win here is too much.

The Cavaliers beat Boston 115-111 in Cleveland snapping a four-game win streak by the Celtics. Cleveland this year is 40-9 and 33-16 against the spread. Celtics are 35-15 but only 19-30-1 ATS. That's saying that the Celtics are a bit overvalued this season. The Celtics have won the last three but didn't cover the last two on the road. Cleveland has won and covered their last four, which is about when Evan Mobley returned. Cleveland has the No. 2 offense shooting 50%. Cavs win.

Cavs probably cover here but I am being safe and taking the ML. Cleveland is 7-1 ATS at home as a favorite of 1.5-4 points and they handled the Celtics already this season. Feels like a changing of guard in the East. Boston D has slipped greatly. They are vulnerable on the road (struggling at LAL, PHI, NO) and 4-8 ATS last 12 away from home. Cavs have won 4 straight games by 19+ points. They are healthy again and a little deeper than the Celtics right now. Cleveland is 24-3 at home and 25-4 with equal rest. That works for me.