Final: Celtics 120, Cavs 113 - C's overcome slow start to stay perfect at home

BOSTON CELTICS vs. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

7:30 p.m., NBC Sports Boston

Line: Boston -11.5

INJURIES

Boston: None

Cleveland: Evan Mobley (OUT, knee), Ricky Rubio (OUT), Caris LeVert (QUESTIONABLE, knee)

NOTES

- This is the first of two straight home games between the Celtics and the Cavs.

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Kristaps Porzingis opening things up: With Mobley out, Jarrett Allen is the one and only rim protector for the Cavaliers. That means a ton of pick-and-pop with Porzingis, and a lot of actions aimed at pulling Allen away from the rim. This should open up lanes to the rim that Boston can seize. This should be a high free throw game if Boston plays things right. 

2. Forcing turnovers: The Cavs are one of the more turnover prone teams in the league, so this is a chance for the Celtics to pump up a weak spot in their defense. This calls for some added aggressiveness and good help behind the guards in case they gamble and miss. The key is to be aggressive but not wild. 

3. Containing their guards: Donovan Mitchell loves going against the Celtics. Let’s see how the Celtics handle Mitchell and how they navigate Cleveland’s pick-and-rolls. Same with Darius Garland. They combine for 11 assists per game, so containing their passing is going to be huge. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.