Round three. Cavs vs. Celtics. A game that, on paper, should have all the fireworks of a playoff preview. But in reality? It’s just business.
As the Cavs (40-9) welcome the Celtics (35-15) into Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern, the matchup feels different than their previous contests this season. The first time these teams met, Cleveland came in wired, determined to prove they belonged—overprepared, almost desperate. The second time, they exhaled—relaxed, composed, and unleashed the league’s best offense in a statement win. Now? No overreactions. No proving ground. Just another chance to improve.
That doesn’t mean this one is meaningless.
The Celtics ended Cleveland’s season last year, sending them home in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. That sting doesn’t just fade. But this isn’t about revenge, and it’s certainly not a “must-win.”
It’s simply another checkpoint in an 82-game marathon.
This time, the Cavs finally get a look at the full-strength Celtics.
Meanwhile, Cleveland is without two key rotation players in Isaac Okoro (shoulder) and Dean Wade (knee). Wade’s absence is especially significant, as he would’ve spent time bothering Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. While the Cavs will test their switchability against the third-best offense in the NBA, the matchup against Tatum could fall on small forward Max Strus.
But if this Cavs team has proven anything, it’s that their depth is something they can lean on. Tuesday night will be no different.
This season, the Cavs have been keenly focused on their habits and principles that can be used in the playoffs, especially against teams like Boston. Stacking regular season wins is helpful for seeding, but this team knows they’ll be judged by what they do in the playoffs, not their record.
The Celtics are the perfect crash course—a live-fire exam that forces the Cavs to think, adjust, and evolve in real time. Every possession demands a counter, every misstep a lesson. It’s playoff-level intensity with the calm assurance that, no matter the result, they’ll walk away sharper, smarter, and better equipped for what’s ahead.
Game Details:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics
Series: Third of four matchups of the regular season
Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
When: 7:30 p.m. ET
The point spread: Cavs minus-1.5; O/U 236.5
TV: TNT/truTV/Max
Injury Report:
Cavs Out:
- Dean Wade (knee)
- Isaac Okoro (shoulder)
- JT Thor (two-way)
- Luke Travers (two-way)
- Emoni Bates (two-way)
Tuesday night is another test, another step in the process. The Cavs aren’t looking for validation. They’re looking to build.
