Cavs vs. Celtics: Game Preview

You can be sure of one thing on Wednesday night — and that’s the Celtics being especially determined.

After all, the Cavaliers went into their house, tackled a double-digit deficit, and won in overtime. Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert each scored 41 in one of the franchise’s best regular-season performances since the LeBron James-era, and maybe the first LeBron era.

Th Cavs, of course, are aiming to prove it was no fluke. They may have Darius Garland back to boot. At this writing, we’re still not sure.

But the way these Cavs have been playing, you have to like their chances against anyone, anywhere, anytime. 

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and the Celtics are the defending Eastern Conference champions, a team fresh off a Finals appearance. They have to spend the season defending their crown, proving that they remain Beasts of the East. 

Teams like the Cavs are approaching them with extra determination. So consider this another measuring stick for a team that, even its worst moments, is still tons of fun to watch. The fact they’re winning makes it even better.

Cavs vs. Celtics

• RECORDS: Cavs 5-1; Celtics 4-2
• TIPOFF: 7 p.m. EST
• LOCATION: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
• TV: Bally Sports Ohio, ESPN
• INJURIES: Cavs – Garland (questionable) out; Raul Neto (ankle) questionable; Dylan Windler (ankle) out; Ricky Rubio (knee) out; Celtics – Robert Williams III (knee) out; Danilo Gallinari (knee) out.

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