Cleveland Cavaliers face crucial game against Boston Celtics. Evan Mobley leads Defensive Player of the Year race. Kenny Atkinson emerges as Coach of the Year favori

And we did.” What followed was three quarters of frenetic basketball that concluded with 41 points by Mitchell and a breakout night by teammate Evan Mobley that added up to a 123-116 win and a ninth straight victory by the Cavs team that earned a season split with a Celtics team they could very well see in the playoffs.

It’s a heavyweight clash at the top of the East tonight as the Boston Celtics host a Cleveland Cavaliers team that’s looking to extend its eight-game win streak. Boston won the teams’ last matchup and is still the NBA title betting favorite,

Evan Mobley a favorite for Defensive Player of the Year Award after Victor Wembanyama injury The Cavs largely ran back the same roster from last year after falling to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs. The belief was that with some ...

Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter, right, celebrates with teammate Darius Garland, left, after a basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

▪ Jayson Tatum has faced just about every defensive coverage imaginable, and most often teams try to wobble him with blitzes, traps and double teams that force another player to beat them. But Tatum is a willing and excellent passer, and this approach sometimes leads to quick advantages for the Celtics closer to the rim.