The most highly anticipated game on today’s NBA slate will take place between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Led by Donovan Mitchell, the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off with the Boston Celtics for the second time this season and seeking revenge against the team that handed them their first loss of the year.
Both of these teams have looked like legitimate contenders so far this season. Cleveland enters with a 17-3 record while Boston is 16-3 on the year. If the Celtics can produce a victory tonight, the defending champions will gain sole possession of the top seed in the East for the first time this season.
The Celtics enter this game as 1-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Cavaliers are -102 underdogs on the moneyline with the game total set at 232.5 points.
Donovan Mitchell Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook has set Donovan Mitchell’s prop lines for points (26.5), rebounds (4.5), assists (4.5), made three-pointers (3.5), and combined points, rebounds and assists (35.5).
The Cavaliers have been incredibly impressive from just about all areas to start this season. However, it is Donovan Mitchell leading the charge for the team. So far this season, he has averaged 24.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He is also taking 9.2 three-point attempts per game and connecting at a 38.9% rate. This comes out to an average of 3.6 made three-pointers per game.
Boston ranks 10th in the NBA in opponent points per game this season. While their three-point volume and overall offensive dominance are more of a driving force of their identity, the Celtics have multiple high-level defenders they will rotate onto Mitchell.
In the first matchup between these two teams, the Celtics came out on top in a 120-117 victory. Mitchell finished with 35 points, eight rebounds and three assists while shooting 3-of-11 from beyond the three-point arc. This marked Mitchell’s third-highest scoring output on the season and his 29 shot attempts are the most he has recorded all season.
Overall this season, Mitchell has only recorded over 26.5 points in just seven of the 19 games he has played. While this number is not overly encouraging, the five-time All-Star has seen his minutes limited in several games due to the blowout nature of the matchup. Don’t expect that to be the case tonight against the Celtics.
Count on both these Eastern Conference contenders to bring their best effort. For the Cavaliers, this means Donovan Mitchell will be heavily involved offensively. Mitchell’s 29 shot attempts in the first matchup were the most he has produced all season and well above his season average of 19.2 field-goal attempts per game. The Louisville product is at his best when the lights are the brightest, so expect this to be on display tonight.
It may not be the most efficient route to getting there, but look for Mitchell to eclipse 26.5 points tonight. Look for him to go toe-to-toe with the defending champions and leave it all on the table offensively. The Cavaliers go as Mitchell goes and will need their superstar to deliver tonight. Cleveland will be focused on getting revenge against the team that snapped its 15-0 start, so count on Mitchell to record over 26.5 points in the process.
The Pick: Over 26.5 Points (-110)
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is seanbarnard) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
