Celtics vs Cavaliers Prediction & Odds (Nov. 30): Can Shorthanded Boston Upset Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs in Cleveland?

The Boston Celtics roll into Cleveland on Sunday, November 30, looking for answers as much as a win when they face the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Boston sits at 10–9 after a draining loss to Minnesota on Saturday, while Cleveland is 12–8 and 8–3 at home, positioning this matchup as an early-season barometer for two teams with postseason ambitions.

Boston’s biggest storyline is the uncertain status of Jayson Tatum. The star forward has been battling an Achilles issue, and as of Sunday morning the team had yet to confirm if he will suit up, forcing the Celtics to lean heavily on their depth again. In his absence, Jaylen Brown has evolved into the offensive engine, averaging close to 29 points per game and coming off a historic 41-point, all-around performance in Saturday’s loss to the Timberwolves.

The Celtics are also navigating a crowded injury report, with Neemias Queta, Derrick White and Tatum all having missed recent time. That’s pushed role players such as Anfernee Simons and Luka Garza into larger roles and left head coach Joe Mazzulla preaching consistency, especially against bigger, more physical teams like Cleveland. Boston’s record reflects the turbulence: ninth in the East, a modest 4–5 on the road, and only slightly above water in point differential.

Cleveland, meanwhile, enters with its own health concerns but a clearer identity. Donovan Mitchell is playing at an MVP-caliber level, averaging over 30 points per game and leading an offense that has been particularly dangerous at home. Evan Mobley adds nearly 19 points and nine rebounds a night, anchoring the front line and presenting a major test for Boston’s shorthanded frontcourt. Despite inconsistent against-the-spread results, the Cavs have been reliable at Rocket Arena, where oddsmakers have installed them as sizeable favorites, around -7.5 to -8.5.

Beyond the stakes in the standings, tonight carries a measure of pride. Boston dominated the first meeting back on October 29, a 125–105 home win that remains Cleveland’s largest loss of the season. The Cavaliers are eyeing payback, while the Celtics are trying to prove they can steal a high-level road game without full health. With tipoff set for 6 p.m. ET on regional sports networks, the latest chapter of Celtics vs. Cavaliers offers a revealing snapshot of where both franchises truly stand heading into December.