NBA · Final

Celtics Defeat Cavaliers 109-98 in NBA Clash

109

Sunday, March 8, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena

Boston Celtics 109, Cleveland Cavaliers 98, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Boston Celtics beat Cleveland Cavaliers 109-98 at Rocket Arena on March 8, 2026.

Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -120 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.

The Boston Celtics extended their dominance over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 109-98 victory at Rocket Arena, marking their fourth consecutive win against Cleveland this season. This matchup showcased the Celtics' strong performance, as they improved to 44-21 overall, while the Cavaliers fell to 39-26.

In their last ten games, the Cavaliers have posted a record of 7-3, with a current winning streak of two games. They have averaged 116.3 points scored while allowing 109.3 points per game during this stretch. Their recent home form has been particularly impressive, with a perfect 4-0 record in their last four home games. The Cavaliers' scoring averages in their last five games stood at 112.6 points scored and 109.0 points allowed.

Conversely, the Celtics have been on a strong run as well, with an 8-2 record in their last ten games, including a one-game winning streak. They have averaged 111.6 points scored and a mere 99.6 points allowed during this period. Their away record has been solid, with a 4-1 mark in their last five away games, showcasing their defensive prowess.

The Celtics have historically fared well against the Cavaliers, winning all three meetings this season. Their previous matchups included a close 117-115 victory in November and a more decisive 125-105 win in October. The Cavaliers managed to secure a win in their last meeting before this season, but they have struggled to maintain that success against the Celtics.

In terms of injuries, the Celtics had Jayson Tatum listed as day-to-day due to a knee issue, which could have impacted their lineup. However, they managed to secure the win despite this uncertainty.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers as slight favorites with a spread of -1.5. The total points line was set at 224.5, with odds of -105 for the over and -115 for the under. The moneyline reflected a home win probability for the Cavaliers at -120 and +100 for the Celtics.

The game conditions were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams looking to assert their playoff positioning. Viewers were treated to key moments, including a pivotal three-point jumper from James Harden in the fourth quarter, which helped the Celtics maintain their lead. Harden's contributions were crucial as he not only scored but also facilitated plays, including an assist to Evan Mobley for a dunk that briefly narrowed the gap.

As the game progressed, the Celtics continued to execute their strategy effectively, with Jayson Tatum hitting a significant three-pointer that further solidified their lead. The final moments saw the Celtics capitalizing on free throws, with Harden and Payton Pritchard extending the lead to secure the victory.

Overall, the Celtics' ability to control the game, particularly on the defensive end, was a key factor in their success against the Cavaliers. This win further cements their position in the standings and showcases their potential as they head into the latter part of the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CLE -1.5	224.5 o -105 / u -115	Boston Celtics +100 · Cleveland Cavaliers -120

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics

Leaders

PointsDonovan Mitchell30Cleveland Cavaliers
AssistsJames Harden10Cleveland Cavaliers
ReboundsEvan Mobley8Cleveland Cavaliers
PointsJaylen Brown23Boston Celtics
AssistsJaylen Brown8Boston Celtics
ReboundsNeemias Queta11Boston Celtics

Recent form

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 7-3Streak W2116.3 scored · 109.3 allowed per game4-0 at home

W113-109vs Detroit PistonsMar 4
W106-102at Brooklyn NetsMar 1
L119-122at Detroit PistonsFeb 28
L116-118at Milwaukee BucksFeb 26
W109-94vs New York KnicksFeb 25
L113-121at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 22
W118-113at Charlotte HornetsFeb 21
W112-84vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 20
W138-113vs Washington WizardsFeb 12
W119-117at Denver NuggetsFeb 10

Boston Celtics

Last 10: 8-2Streak W1111.6 scored · 99.6 allowed per game4-1 away

W120-100vs Dallas MavericksMar 7
L89-118vs Charlotte HornetsMar 5
W108-81at Milwaukee BucksMar 3
W114-98vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 2
W148-111vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 28
L84-103at Denver NuggetsFeb 26
W97-81at Phoenix SunsFeb 25
W111-89at Los Angeles LakersFeb 22
W121-110at Golden State WarriorsFeb 20
W124-105vs Chicago BullsFeb 12

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Boston	-	26	W2	.683	56
New York	3	29	L1	.646	53
Toronto	10	36	W1	.561	46
Philadelphia	11	37	W2	.549	45
Brooklyn	36	62	L3	.244	20
Detroit	-	22	W3	.732	60
Cleveland	8	30	W1	.634	52
Milwaukee	28	50	L1	.390	32
Chicago	29	51	L2	.378	31
Indiana	41	63	L2	.232	19

Box score

Stat	Boston Celtics	Cleveland Cavaliers
Field goals	37-84	35-86
Field goal %	44	41
Three-pointers	15-38	13-45
Three-point %	39	29
Free throws	20-22	15-21
Free throw %	91	71
Rebounds	49	42
Offensive rebounds	10	10
Defensive rebounds	39	32
Assists	25	23
Steals	2	4
Blocks	0	6
Turnovers	10	7
Team turnovers	2	2
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	8	13
Fast-break points	2	18
Points in the paint	32	38
Fouls	20	19
Largest lead	26	8
Lead changes	1	1
Time in front	87	11

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter70-53Sam Hauser makes 35-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
3rd Quarter70-55James Harden makes 4-foot two point shot
3rd Quarter72-55Jaylen Brown makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
3rd Quarter75-55Sam Hauser makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Brown assists)
3rd Quarter78-55Baylor Scheierman makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Payton Pritchard assists)
3rd Quarter81-55Sam Hauser makes 27-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
3rd Quarter81-58Thomas Bryant makes 25-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
3rd Quarter81-61Jaylon Tyson makes 24-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
3rd Quarter84-61Baylor Scheierman makes 31-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
3rd Quarter86-61Neemias Queta makes dunk (Payton Pritchard assists)
3rd Quarter86-63James Harden makes driving layup
3rd Quarter86-66Donovan Mitchell makes 24-foot running jump shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
3rd Quarter86-69James Harden makes 24-foot running jump shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
4th Quarter86-71Donovan Mitchell makes driving layup (Evan Mobley assists)
4th Quarter88-71Jaylen Brown makes driving layup
4th Quarter89-71Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter89-74Sam Merrill makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
4th Quarter91-74Luka Garza makes 8-foot floating jump shot (Jaylen Brown assists)
4th Quarter91-75Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter91-76Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter91-78Evan Mobley makes dunk (Donovan Mitchell assists)
4th Quarter91-81Donovan Mitchell makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
4th Quarter94-81Baylor Scheierman makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Brown assists)
4th Quarter94-83Dennis Schroder makes running layup
4th Quarter94-86Jaylon Tyson makes 25-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
4th Quarter97-86Payton Pritchard makes 33-foot three point jumper (Derrick White assists)
4th Quarter97-88Dean Wade makes two point shot (James Harden assists)
4th Quarter98-88Jayson Tatum makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter98-90Donovan Mitchell makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter100-90Payton Pritchard makes 12-foot two point shot
4th Quarter102-90Payton Pritchard makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
4th Quarter104-90Jayson Tatum makes driving layup
4th Quarter104-93James Harden makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaylon Tyson assists)
4th Quarter104-95Evan Mobley makes dunk (James Harden assists)
4th Quarter107-95Jayson Tatum makes 26-foot three point jumper (Neemias Queta assists)
4th Quarter107-96James Harden makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter107-97James Harden makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter107-98James Harden makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter108-98Payton Pritchard makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter109-98Payton Pritchard makes free throw 2 of 2