2023 NBA bets, lines and stats for Cavs-Celtics and more - ESPN

The NBA season continues with a seven-game slate for bettors to choose from Thursday. I'm most looking forward to the matchups between the Eastern Conference rivals Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics beat the Cavaliers on Tuesday, so this is the second game of a back-to-back. The Cavs are on a two-game losing streak, while the Celtics have won five of their past six. Boston enters as an 8.5-point favorite, but I'm very interested in two other bets from this game. It'll be interesting to see what happens Tuesday night.

Now let's dive into my betting recommendations.

Cavaliers at Celtics over 226.5 points. The Cavaliers rank seventh in points scored per 100 possessions and the Celtics fourth. These teams combined for 233 points Tuesday, so I expect another high-scoring game Thursday night in Boston. The Cavaliers have gone over the total in seven of 12 road games. The over has also cashed in four of the past five games for the Celtics. As we exit this statistical rabbit hole, consider that the Celtics have gone over in each of the past five games against the Cavaliers.

Donovan Mitchell over 37.5 combined points, rebounds, assists (-110). Mitchell has surpassed this line in three of his past four games. Even though the Celtics rank fourth in points allowed per 100 possessions, Mitchell should have a high usage rate, especially with Evan Mobley, who averages 16.0 points per game, already ruled out because of an injury. Since joining the Cavaliers, Mitchell has averaged 35.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in five games against the Celtics.

Luka Doncic over 9.5 assists (-130). Doncic is averaging 12.4 assists per game over the Mavs' past five contests. Since Kyrie Irving and Josh Green have