After parting ways with Brown, the Boston Celtics should not be expected to achieve major success in the new season. They remain a formidable force in the Eastern Conference, but last season, even with their now-departed leader, they consistently trailed the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers have only grown stronger over the summer.
Cleveland Cavaliers
In the conference finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers simply ran out of steam against the in-form New York Knicks (0:4), who were pursuing a long-awaited championship. Before that, the Cavaliers had overcome Toronto and the Detroit Pistons, recovering from 0:2 down against the Pistons to win the series in Game 7. Cleveland have offensive firepower in reserve in Mitchell and Harden, while the team posted a 3-2 record in the NBA Summer League, beating the Chicago Bulls (100:92) in their final game in the consolation play-offs.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have opted for size to replace the departed Brown — newly crowned champion Robinson is expected to take his place in the starting five. The Celtics exited last season's play-offs in the first round, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games after leading the series 3:1. Boston performed respectably in the NBA Summer League (3-2), but their reserves are unlikely to become a major weapon for Mazzulla.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Prediction
Last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers finished four wins behind the Boston Celtics, but had comfortably the strongest offence. The Celtics will struggle to handle the pressure on their rivals' court — Mitchell and Harden will secure the win.
