Following the Cavaliers’ 4-3 series victory over the Magic in a Game 7 on Sunday afternoon, the Celtics’ second round schedule has finally been finalized. Game 1 of Cleveland’s second round series against Boston will kick off at TD Garden on Tuesday night at 7 p.m., and the club will then head out on the road for a fast turnaround.
After winning their first round series against the Heat in five games last Wednesday, Boston will be well-rested for the encounter. The Cavs, on the other hand, will have just had one day off following their exhausting seven-game series against Orlando—the only NBA clash to go the full first round.
PHOTO: Boston celtics
Given how important the starting centers are to both teams, the injury situation will be the main area of concern for the series. Due to a damaged calf, Kristaps Porzingis is anticipated to miss as much of the series as possible while recovering for the Celtics. With a rib injury, starting center Jarrett Allen of the Cavaliers missed the last three games of their first-round series against the Magic, and it is unclear how he will fare going forward.
Regardless of Porzingis’s health, Boston will start the series as strong favorites thanks to a stellar regular season that gave them homecourt advantage the entire postseason. Despite this, the Cavs did face tight competition from Boston throughout the regular season, with the Celtics leading the series 2-1 and winning all three games by a single digit margin.
The NBA has officially revealed the complete schedule for the second round.
First game: Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m., Cavaliers vs. Celtics.
Game 2: Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m., Cavaliers vs. Celtics.
Game 3: On Saturday, May 11, at 8:30 p.m., the Celtics will play the Cavaliers.
Game 4: Monday, May 13, 7 p.m., Celtics vs. Cavaliers.
Game 5: Wednesday, May 15, TBD (if required), Cavaliers vs. Celtics
Game 6: Friday, May 17, TBD (if required), Celtics vs. Cavaliers
Game 7: Sunday, May 19, TBD (if required), Cavaliers vs. Celtics