Ten NBA games this Thursday with some big matchups! Even though Boston isn’t the same team as last year, they’ll continue to be box office when they host the Cavaliers while can Austin Reaves continue his hot form when the Lakers head to Minnesota?
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics
Despite injuries to the Cavaliers with Garland and Strus missing all their games so far, plus Hunter only playing the last two, Cleveland has still started strong with a 3-1 record.
They’ll head to Boston against a Celtics outfit in unfamiliar territory starting the season at 1-3. The Celtics have blown up their roster in the off-season due to the salary cap pressures, and have their work cut out for them to compete across the 2025-26 season.
Leg 1: Josh Minott 8+ Points
I was really impressed with Minott at the Timberwolves but due to their big-man stocks he couldn’t break into the rotation, so a nice get for the Celtics.
Minott had a bit of a breakout against the Pistons with 10 points in 14 minutes, resulting in him starting against the Pelicans - the Power Forward finishing with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Provides a much better balance for this Boston line-up - he will play and produce solid returns for them.
Leg 2: Derrick White Under 20.5 Points
White certainly thrived as the third or fourth offensive option for Boston over the last two season, but now as their clear number two man, the Point Guard has had his struggles to start the season.
Only shooting the ball at 33% from the field across the first four games, and 25% from deep - averaging 16.5 points per game. The Cavaliers are a strong defensive unit and they won’t make this easy for White.
Leg 3: Deandre Hunter 12+ Points
Without Sam Merrill who has been on fire to start the season for the Cavs, Deandre Hunter will be required to play a bit more and pick-up some of the offensive load.
He’s more than capable - when at the Hawks last season before being traded he broke out offensively, and from his two games this season he’s averaging 14.5 points - but is at 20.4 points per 36 minutes.
He doesn’t get to 36 in this game, but he should push 30 minutes in this easily hitting 12+.
Same Game Multi
Minott 8+ Points / White Under 20.5 Points / Hunter 12+ Points = $3.70
Value Leg: Lonzo Ball 6+ Assists
Strong start to his Cavaliers career - not necessarily from a scoring output, but Lonzo Ball is doing everything else while playing around 23 minutes per game.
Even without Merrill, I don’t think the staff risk playing Lonzo more than this but it shouldn’t matter. Ball is averaging 6.3 assists from his three games this season, going at 9.9 per 36 minutes and hitting 6+ in two of his three games.
Looks like he’s nailing down a handy role in this Cleveland lineup.
Minott 8+ Points / White Under 20.5 Points / Hunter 12+ Points / Ball 6+ Assists = $9.25
