NBA · Final

Celtics Defeat Cavaliers in NBA Showdown

124

113

Thursday, October 8, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena

Boston Celtics 124, Cleveland Cavaliers 113, 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 124-113 at Rocket Arena on October 8, 2026.

Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The underdog won.

The Boston Celtics secured a decisive victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing the game with a score of 124 to 113. This matchup was notable as it marked the beginning of the season for the Cavaliers, who entered the game with a home record of 0-1, while the Celtics boasted an away record of 1-0. The game took place at Rocket Arena, where the Cavaliers aimed to bounce back after their opening loss.

In terms of recent form, the Cavaliers had a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, with an average of 121.8 points scored and 119.0 points allowed. They were on a one-game winning streak, having won their last game against the Washington Wizards on April 12, 2026, with a score of 130-117. However, their performance at home was slightly less impressive, with a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, averaging 122.6 points scored and 118.2 points allowed.

On the other hand, the Celtics were in strong form, holding an 8-2 record in their last ten games with an average of 119.6 points scored and 108.4 points allowed. They came into this game on a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108 on April 12, 2026. The Celtics had a perfect home record of 5-0 in their last five games and an away record of 3-2.

Historically, the Cavaliers had struggled against the Celtics, losing their last three meetings. In their previous encounters during the current season, the Cavaliers lost 98-109 on March 8, 2026, 115-117 on November 30, 2025, and 105-125 on October 29, 2025. This trend added pressure on the Cavaliers as they sought to turn their fortunes around against a formidable opponent.

The injury situation was a concern for both teams. The Cavaliers had three players listed as day-to-day: Khalifa Diop (undisclosed), Nae'Qwan Tomlin (back), and James Harden (ankle). The Celtics also faced injury challenges, with Sam Hauser (rest), Ron Harper Jr. (shoulder), Payton Pritchard (undisclosed), Mitchell Robinson (undisclosed), and Neemias Queta (rest) all listed as day-to-day. The availability of these players could have significant implications for both teams as the season progresses.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 222.5. The moneyline odds reflected a home win probability for the Cavaliers at -162.0 and an away win probability for the Celtics at 136.0. These odds indicated a competitive matchup, but the Celtics ultimately proved their worth on the court.

As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Celtics' offensive prowess. Key moments included Devin Carter making two free throws in the fourth quarter, pushing the Celtics' lead to 119-107. Dillon Mitchell then extended the lead further with a dunk, assisted by Carter. The Cavaliers attempted to close the gap with Meleek Thomas and Riley Minix contributing points, but the Celtics maintained their advantage with a combination of free throws and timely baskets.

In the final moments, Milos Uzan's turnaround jump shot solidified the Celtics' victory, concluding the game with a final score of 124-113. This win not only marked a successful start to the season for the Celtics but also continued the Cavaliers' struggles against their rivals. The matchup served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the NBA and set the stage for both teams' upcoming challenges as they navigate through the season.

What we said beforehand

The Cleveland Cavaliers will face the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena on October 8, 2026, in what marks the beginning of the NBA season for both teams. This matchup is particularly intriguing as it features two teams with contrasting recent performances, setting the stage for a compelling contest.

The Cavaliers come into this game with a home record of 0-0, while the Celtics also hold an away record of 0-0. Cleveland's last five games saw them struggle significantly, recording just one win against the New York Knicks and suffering four losses. Their most recent game resulted in a decisive defeat, with the Cavaliers falling 130-93 to the Knicks on May 26, 2026. In contrast, the Celtics have a more favorable recent form, winning two of their last five games against the Philadelphia 76ers, but they also experienced a three-game losing streak, culminating in a 109-100 loss on May 2, 2026.

When analyzing the teams' scoring averages, the Cavaliers have averaged 121.8 points scored and 119.0 points allowed over their last ten games, while the Celtics have averaged 119.6 points scored and 108.4 points allowed. This suggests that while Cleveland has been able to score, they have also been vulnerable defensively. The Celtics, however, have shown a stronger defensive performance, which could play a crucial role in this matchup.

In terms of home and away performance, the Cavaliers have a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, with an average of 122.6 points scored and 118.2 points allowed. The Celtics, on the other hand, have been strong away from home with a record of 5-0 in their last five games, averaging 118.2 points scored and 108.2 points allowed. This suggests that the Celtics could have an advantage in their away performance.

Historically, the Cavaliers have struggled against the Celtics, losing all three of their previous meetings this season. Their last encounter was on March 8, 2026, where the Cavaliers lost 98-109. Earlier in the season, they also fell 115-117 at home on November 30, 2025, and lost 105-125 in Boston on October 29, 2025. This trend will weigh heavily on Cleveland as they look to turn their fortunes around against a familiar rival.

In terms of injuries, the Cavaliers have Peyton Watson listed as day-to-day due to a hamstring issue. His status could impact Cleveland's rotation and overall performance. The Celtics currently do not have any reported injuries, which could give them an edge in terms of depth and availability.

The betting market has set the odds with DraftKings, pricing the Cavaliers as 2.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -142. The Celtics are listed with a moneyline of +120. The total points for the game is set at 221.5, with both the over and under priced at -110.

As for the conditions, the game will take place in Rocket Arena, and while specific weather conditions are not provided, the indoor setting typically ensures a controlled environment for both teams.

Viewers should watch for how the Cavaliers respond after their disappointing end to the previous season and whether they can leverage their home advantage effectively. Additionally, the performance of the Celtics' defense against Cleveland's scoring ability will be a key aspect to observe. The matchup promises to be an exciting start to the NBA season, with both teams eager to establish their identity early on.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CLE -3.5	222.5 o -110 / u -110	Boston Celtics +136 · Cleveland Cavaliers -162

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

Injury report

Khalifa DiopDay-To-DayUndisclosedCleveland Cavaliers
Nae'Qwan TomlinDay-To-DayBackCleveland Cavaliers
James HardenDay-To-DayAnkleCleveland Cavaliers
Sam HauserDay-To-DayRestBoston Celtics
Ron Harper Jr.Day-To-DayShoulderBoston Celtics
Payton PritchardDay-To-DayUndisclosedBoston Celtics
Mitchell RobinsonDay-To-DayUndisclosedBoston Celtics
Neemias QuetaDay-To-DayRestBoston Celtics

Leaders

PointsJaylon Tyson14Cleveland Cavaliers
AssistsCraig Porter Jr.10Cleveland Cavaliers
ReboundsMario Hezonja5Cleveland Cavaliers
PointsLuka Garza22Boston Celtics
AssistsHugo Gonzalez5Boston Celtics
ReboundsLuka Garza10Boston Celtics

Recent form

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 7-3Streak W1121.8 scored · 119 allowed per game4-1 at home

W130-117vs Washington WizardsApr 12
L102-124at Atlanta HawksApr 10
W122-116vs Atlanta HawksApr 8
W142-126at Memphis GrizzliesApr 7
W117-108vs Indiana PacersApr 5
W118-111at Golden State WarriorsApr 3
L113-127at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
W122-113at Utah JazzMar 31
W149-128vs Miami HeatMar 27
L103-120vs Miami HeatMar 25

Boston Celtics

Last 10: 8-2Streak W2119.6 scored · 108.4 allowed per game3-2 away

W113-108vs Orlando MagicApr 12
W144-118vs New Orleans PelicansApr 10
L106-112at New York KnicksApr 9
W113-102vs Charlotte HornetsApr 8
W115-101vs Toronto RaptorsApr 5
W133-101at Milwaukee BucksApr 4
W147-129at Miami HeatApr 1
L102-112at Atlanta HawksMar 30
W114-99at Charlotte HornetsMar 29
W109-102vs Atlanta HawksMar 27

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Brooklyn	-	0	W1	1.000	1
Philadelphia	-	0	W1	1.000	1
Boston	-	0	W1	1.000	1
New York	1	1	L1	.000	0
Toronto	1	1	L1	.000	0
Indiana	-	0	W1	1.000	1
Chicago	-	0	W1	1.000	1
Detroit	-	0	W1	1.000	1
Milwaukee	0.5	1	W1	.500	1
Cleveland	1	1	L1	.000	0

Box score

Stat	Boston Celtics	Cleveland Cavaliers
Field goals	41-99	44-92
Field goal %	41	48
Three-pointers	17-47	12-37
Three-point %	36	32
Free throws	25-35	13-16
Free throw %	71	81
Rebounds	56	39
Offensive rebounds	21	6
Defensive rebounds	35	33
Assists	29	32
Steals	6	10
Blocks	8	6
Turnovers	16	11
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	1
Points off turnovers	17	14
Fast-break points	15	21
Points in the paint	42	62
Fouls	19	25
Largest lead	15	7
Lead changes	13	13
Time in front	70	22

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter83-81Luka Garza makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter84-81Luka Garza makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter84-84Tristan Enaruna makes 25-foot three point jumper (Thomas Bryant assists)
3rd Quarter85-84Luka Garza makes free throw flagrant 1 of 2
3rd Quarter86-84Luka Garza makes free throw flagrant 2 of 2
3rd Quarter88-84Hugo Gonzalez makes 25-foot three pointer
3rd Quarter90-84Luka Garza makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter91-84Luka Garza makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter91-85Rashaun Agee makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter91-86Rashaun Agee makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter91-88Riley Minix makes running dunk (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
3rd Quarter94-88Jordan Walsh makes 25-foot three point jumper (Milos Uzan assists)
3rd Quarter96-88Dillon Mitchell makes two point shot
3rd Quarter96-90Ernest Udeh Jr. makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Riley Minix assists)
3rd Quarter96-93Rashaun Agee makes 25-foot three point jumper (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
3rd Quarter99-93Baylor Scheierman makes 31-foot three point jumper (Dillon Mitchell assists)
3rd Quarter99-95Tristan Enaruna makes running layup (Riley Minix assists)
3rd Quarter99-96Tristan Enaruna makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter99-97Thomas Bryant makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter102-97Hayden Gray makes 26-foot three point jumper (Milos Uzan assists)
4th Quarter102-99Tristan Enaruna makes driving layup
4th Quarter104-99Dillon Mitchell makes alley oop dunk (Milos Uzan assists)
4th Quarter107-99Tucker DeVries makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dillon Mitchell assists)
4th Quarter110-99Tucker DeVries makes 24-foot three point jumper (Amari Williams assists)
4th Quarter110-100Rashaun Agee makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter112-100Hayden Gray makes running layup (Tucker DeVries assists)
4th Quarter112-102Meleek Thomas makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter113-102Hayden Gray makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter115-102Dillon Mitchell makes driving dunk (Hayden Gray assists)
4th Quarter117-102Chris Cenac Jr. makes layup (Dillon Mitchell assists)
4th Quarter117-104Tyrese Proctor makes driving layup
4th Quarter117-107Tristan Enaruna makes 23-foot three point jumper (Riley Minix assists)
4th Quarter118-107Devin Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter119-107Devin Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter121-107Dillon Mitchell makes dunk (Devin Carter assists)
4th Quarter121-109Meleek Thomas makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter121-111Riley Minix makes 1-foot reverse layup (Tristan Enaruna assists)
4th Quarter122-111Milos Uzan makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter122-113Tristan Enaruna makes tip in dunk
4th Quarter124-113Milos Uzan makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot