So, the 2024 Boston Celtics will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2nd round of the NBA playoffs which will begin on Tuesday, May 7th.
2024 Boston Celtics
Since the Celtics had the best record in 2023-2024; they will host the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the regular season, the Cavaliers were 1 – 2 against the Celtics.
In the first round, the Celtics faced the Miami Heat. Although they have lost to the Heat in the playoffs in 2022-2023; this year’s team was able to make quick work of them. In fact, the Celtics advanced to the semi-finals with a record of 4 – 1.
Now that the series against the Heat is over, the Celtics had to wait a few days to see who they would be playing in the 2nd round.
Would it be the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Orlando Magic?
Cleveland Cavaliers
So, the Cavaliers went 7 Games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic.
At the same time, this is the Cavaliers first postseason win without LeBron James.
So, the last time these 2 teams faced off against each other in the NBA Playoffs; the Celtics were eliminated. To learn more, visit my Boston Celtics v Cleveland Cavaliers post. When they lost that series; Le Bron James was the leader that brought his team to the playoffs in much of his time with the team.
2024 Boston Celtics v Cleveland Cavaliers
Although the Celtics dropped Game 2 at home in the first round; they were able to win the remaining 3 games. Meanwhile, they have been the best team in the NBA all season so if they don’t show how good they are; I would certainly be disappointed.
So, the schedule for Round 2 playoffs is as follows.
- Tuesday, May 7th – the Cleveland Cavs will visit Boston – Game time is 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 9th – Cavs in Boston – Game time is 7:00 a.m.
- Saturday, May 11th – Boston in Cleveland – Game time is 8:30 p.m.
- Monday, May 13th – Boston in Cleveland – Game time is 7:00 p.m.
- Game 5 if needed – Cleveland in Boston – TBD
- If needed, Game 6 – Boston in Cleveland – TBD
- Finally, Game 7 if needed – Cleveland in Boston -TBD
Who Will Win
This series should be more challenging than the series against the Heat. Moreover, they should continue their success from Round 1.
Another challenge, the Celtics will face is they are without Kristap Porzingis. Porzingis. left Game 4 against the Heat with a calf injury. Chances are he will be out for the entire series.
Even without Porzingis, the Celtics have a lot of talent. Moreover, Al Hortford, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Jrue Holiday’s talent should be their key to success in Round 2. Additionally, they have Payton Prichard and Sam Hauser who can both contribute minutes to the games.
Finally, even without Porzingis; this team has a lot of talent and should be able to advance to the next round.
In addition, the Cavs had Jarrett Allan missing Games 5, 6, and 7 against the Magic. Allan has a rib contusion. Also, Evan Mobley was nursing a bad ankle in Games 6 and 7.
Although Cleveland does have a solid defense; they haven’t been playing at their best. Meanwhile, if the Cavs aren’t hitting their 3 point shots, they may not have a chance in this series.
Furthermore, the Celtics are considered the better team. Due to the team getting good shots in the paint; they don’t have to worry about 3-pointers. However, they do have to make defensive stops to keep the Cavs from their 3-point shots.
So, the sports predictions are out. The Celtics will win in six games. Also, they have the Knicks winning their second round.
As always, I welcome your comments on the 2024 Boston Celtics. Will they advance to Round 3? And, will they be playing the Knicks in Round 3?
