With the Cavaliers surviving a seven-game series battle on Sunday, the matchups have been set for Round 2 in the Eastern Conference.
The first matchup is between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The absence of Kristaps Porzingis leaves the Celtics with a void to fill. Can the Cleveland Cavaliers capitalize on this opportunity to level the playing field? With their own injury concerns, notably Jarrett Allen’s absence, and coming off a taxing seven-game series, the Cavaliers’ offense may continue to struggle.
Meanwhile, in a throwback to the 90s, we get flashbacks of Spike Lee and Reggie Miller with the matchup between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. The Knicks emerge from a captivating series against the 76ers, earning acclaim for their resilient and clutch performances. Their gritty, grind-it-out style contrasts sharply with the run-and-gun approach of the Indiana Pacers, setting the stage for an intriguing clash of styles in this upcoming series.
Similar to the first round, here are 3 bullet points for each team and a link to the matchup page where you can dive into advanced stats, trends, splits, and situational spots. Sign up for access to this website free until August 1.
2. New York Knicks vs. 6. Indiana Pacers
Click here for The Money Baller matchup page for stats, trends, splits, and systems for this matchup.
New York Knicks
- A key catalyst for the Knicks’ success has been the presence of OG Anunoby. When Anunoby has been on the court, the Knicks have thrived with an outstanding 24-5 straight up record and a 19-10 ATS record. Anunoby’s versatile contributions have proven instrumental in elevating the team’s performance on both ends of the court.
- Knicks’ games are 15-3 to the over in their last 18 games. Surprisingly, the Knicks ranked #7 in Offensive Rating during the regular season, exceeding expectations for a team coached by the defensive-minded Tom Thibodeau.
- Despite their overall success, the Knicks have faced challenges against the Indiana Pacers in recent matchups. They have suffered losses in three out of their last four encounters with the Pacers, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.
Indiana Pacers
- The Pacers have defied odds this season, sporting a solid 24-16-1 ATS record as underdogs. Their ability to exceed expectations underscores their resilience and competitive spirit on the court. When facing teams with an Offensive Rating greater than the league average, the Pacers have thrived, compiling an impressive 26-12-1 ATS record.
- In their previous 11 games, the Pacers have showcased their offensive firepower and their games went 9-2 record to the over. This streak of high-scoring games highlights their ability to generate scoring opportunities and capitalize on offensive possessions.
- Despite their strengths, the Pacers face challenges in rebounding, particularly on the defensive end. Ranking 25th in Offensive Rebound Percentage allowed, they are susceptible to opponents’ second-chance opportunities. This weakness could be exploited by opponents like the New York Knicks, who lead the league in Offensive Rebound Percentage.
1. Boston Celtics vs. 4. Cleveland Cavaliers
Click here for The Money Baller matchup page for stats, trends, splits, and systems for this matchup.
Boston Celtics
- The Boston Celtics have demonstrated their strength in the first half throughout the season, boasting an impressive 60-26-1 ATS record in the first half. This trend continued into the playoffs, where they went 4-1 ATS in the first half against the Miami Heat in the first round, highlighting their ability to start games strong.
- The Celtics will be without Kristaps Porzingis in this round due to a calf injury. However, historical data reveals that the Celtics have fared well in games without Porzingis, holding a strong 22-4 SU and 16-8-2 ATS record. On/Off numbers indicate a decrease in Pace by an average of 4.7 possessions per 48 minutes when Porzingis is off the court; interestingly, their games have trended towards the over, with a record of 15-11.
- Teams playing as home favorites in Game 1 with a rest advantage have historically performed exceptionally well. Data from the KillerSports.com database reveals a strong 59-41 (59%) ATS record for such teams, underscoring the significance of rest and home-court advantage in setting the tone for the series. This historical trend could be a factor to consider in assessing the performance of teams in Game 1 matchups.
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Teams coming off a seven-game series typically face challenges in Game 1 of the following series. Historical data from the Killer Sports database dating back to the 2002-2003 season reveals a 24-37-1 (39.3%) ATS record. Additionally, these games have trended towards the over, with a record of 37-23-2 (61.7%).
- The Cavaliers have faced difficulties in games without their key player, Jarrett Allen. They hold a 2-7 ATS record this season when Allen is sidelined. On/Off numbers from Basketball Reference underscore Allen’s significance, showing a notable -6.1 Net Rating when he is off the court. His absence could pose challenges for the Cavaliers and is worth monitoring, especially if he misses additional playing time.
- Cleveland has encountered road struggles in recent outings, losing 10 of their last 11 road games and posting a dismal 2-9 ATS record in those matchups. This road slump continued into the first round of the playoffs, where they faltered with a 0-3 record both SU and ATS against the Magic.