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The Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers brokered arguably the most surprising trade in the offseason. Boston shipped Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round draft pick to Cleveland for Kyrie Irving. Now, the Irving-led Celtics will travel to the Quicken Loans Arena to collide with the Cavaliers on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. TNT (livestream) will broadcast the action.
Last season, the Celtics won an Eastern Conference best 53 games and clinched the first seed in the playoffs. They lost to the Cavaliers in the conference championship, and they are seeking revenge this season. Boston bolstered its roster in the offseason by trading for Irving, a prolific scorer with superb athleticism. The Celtics also drafted forward Jayson Tatum with the third pick in this year's draft.
The LeBron James-led Cavaliers, on the other hand, went to the finals for the third consecutive year last season. But they lost to the Golden State Warriors in five games. During the offseason, Cleveland strengthened its roster, too. Along with Crowder and Zizic, the Cavaliers acquired Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, and Jeff Green. This game should come down to the fourth quarter.
Time, TV channel, and streaming info
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland
- TV: TNT
- Streaming: TNT Drama
- Odds: Cleveland is favored by 3 points
Celtics vs. Cavaliers news
James’ impending free agency will likely be the story that defines the Cleveland Cavaliers season. It will loom over every quote, game, winning streak, losing streak, and it will certainly loom over the NBA Finals, if the Cavaliers make a fourth consecutive appearance.
For now, James certainly seems content to be in Cleveland, according to his good friend and new teammate Wade, via Cleveland.com:
In the coming days, Perkins will be cut by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are already maxed out on guaranteed contracts and Perkins is going to be an odd man out.
Perkins does want to continue his career. But it he can’t find another home, he could cone back to the Cavs as a coach. And he and Cavs coach Tyronn Lue have already talked about it.
Brad Stevens told the media on Sunday that Morris is likely to miss the first week of the regular season due to right knee soreness.
Celtics vs. Cavaliers prediction
This will be a close game, but the Cavaliers will win. The Celtics will have a hard time containing James and Wade. However, Boston will remain competitive throughout the game.