Preakness betting players know all about thoroughbreds, and NBA betting players are watching a pair of the premier thoroughbreds in the league go toe-to-toe as LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will host Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their second-round series on Tuesday.
Bet Celtics Cavaliers – Tuesday, May 11, 8:00 PM ET
The Cavaliers had no answer for Rondo, who was the spark in the Celtics' 97-87 win at home on Sunday to tie the series at two games apiece. Rondo had 29 points, 18 boards and 13 assists for his fourth triple-double in the playoffs, and the Celtics really needed him as Ray Allen ended up fouling out with 18 points, while Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins and Paul Pierce all dealt with foul trouble throughout the game. This was one of the best postseason performances in the history of the Celtics, and it's easily been the best game by anyone in these playoffs as Rondo carried this aging team to a much-needed victory.
LeBron James tried to counter Rondo with 22 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, but he also had seven turnovers and the Cavaliers had 17 as a team, while shooting 40.3% from the field. Shaquille O'Neal was next with 17 points, while Antawn Jamison had 14 points, but Mo Williams had another subpar game with 13 points, shooting 3-of-9 from the field. The Cavaliers have been counting on Williams to be the main No.2 option behind James, but he's been up and down since coming to Cleveland, and the Cavaliers had to go out and get Jamison because you can't rely on Williams, especially in the postseason.
NBA betting odds have the Cavaliers as a 7.5-point favorite in this contest, and the series is now basically down to a best-of-three after the Celtics win in Game 4. The Cavaliers are going to have to find a way to slow down Rondo, who got out in the open floor and created some easy buckets for the Celtics. Tony Allen also made a big difference off the bench as Pierce and Ray Allen were in foul trouble, but he'll be hard-pressed to have another game like that. The Cavaliers are going to have to get their secondary players going, especially Williams, who can stretch the floor for James' penetration. As for James, he's going to have to go into attack mode, so look for him to try and get his shot going early. The supporting cast is usually better at home than they are on the road, and they should get in the game, but the Cavaliers will need a total team effort in this game.
Online sports betting pick: Cavaliers -7.5
