2018 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers preview

Predictions:

Boston has defied the odds at every turn during this postseason. With a great defense and an offense that empowers the entire roster, the Celtics have proven capable of hanging with any team that challenges them.

Cleveland’s success starts and ends with LeBron, as his ability to do everything on the court at a high level covers up a number of deficiencies within the Cavs’ roster. After needing seven games to defeat the Pacers, nobody thought they would advance any further, as many believed Toronto would defeat the team that had turned into the LeBron Show.

James’ supporting cast answered the challenge, though, stepping up to deliver great performances in the second round, and it should bode well moving forward.

The Celtics have had an unbelievable postseason to this point, and it should only serve as a sign of the future dominance brewing in Boston.

However, despite home-court advantage, their magical run will end at the same point it did last year, as LeBron James will once again exert his absolute dominance on the C’s, while the supporting cast’s newfound confidence will allow them to produce in ways similar to their play against the Raptors.

Boston will make things tough, as its all-around efforts will make the difference on some nights, but in the end, LeBron’s greatness coupled with his teammate’s play will be too much for this Celtics team to overcome.

Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft

Prediction: Cavaliers in 6