Scouting Report: Game 5 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (away)

This recurring segment will provide a brief (sometimes very brief) analysis of the opponent, look at ways how the game can go, predict a winner and dive into Vegas spreads and then some throughout the season.

Recap: It was everything I thought the game would be except for one thing (see the end of this paragraph). The Bulls outrebounded us again and cut the lead to nothing with a minute to go. And then Marcus Smart finished a tough layup to secure the win. Yet he wasn't the player of the game because Amir Johnson also happened last night! (We should call him Amiracle from now on. Anyone? No?)

Who are the favorites tonight and why?: The Cavaliers because they are the defending champions.


How can we beat the Cavs?: First of all, all the Cavs players were at some insignificant baseball game last night so they're going to be almost as tired as the Celtics are. Secondly, see the picture above. That's about it though. Horford is out, Crowder also got injured last night. But, as Isaiah Thomas pointed out, we beat the Warriors in Oracle Arena without Crowder last year so I guess we have a chance?

Who will win the Tommy Award?: I'm picking Marcus Smart again. With Crowder out, his minutes should increase and he might end up defending LeBron throughout the game. If he does that successfully, good news.

Who wins against the spread?: The Cavs are favored by 10.5 points. I'm gonna have to go with the Celtics +10.5. This Celtics team is the same team that finished last season (minus Evan Turner, plus Jaylen Brown) and that team wouldn't be underdogs by 10.5 against the Cavs. Granted the Cavs hadn't won a championship back then, but I think the line is too high. We'll see. (My record so far: 1-3*)

If you disagree with my analysis and think I'm stupid or would like to read more of my scorching hot takes, you can find me on Twitter. You can read my other CelticsLife posts here.

*0-3 officially due to missing Scouting Reports.

Photo credit: Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com