Cappers Buzz

Cleveland and Boston UNDER 176.5 Game 5

Besides Game 3 where Cleveland jetted out to a 32-8 lead, drastically changing the pace of the game, this entire series has been a defensive war.  There are simply no easy shots to be had on either side, and although this number looks low, and in fact is the lowest of the entire series, realize that the other 3 games have stayed 14.5, 15.5, and 28.5 points under today’s total.  Boston’s home defensive numbers are simply insane at 86 ppg, sub 41% FG, sub 31% 3FG, and they’ve played 5 out of 6 playoff games to play UNDER the total.  Cleveland is 15-29 UNDER their last 44 playoff games, and are playing defense more to the level of the last two seasons than they did most of this season, holding opponents to 90 or less in 11 of their last 13 games.  This series is reminiscent of Eastern Conferences wars of last couple seasons involving Detroit, Cleveland, Indiana, etc…  Boston 90-82