Hunter is capable of defending every position, and against Boston he will most often be deployed against All-Star forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

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)

The Celtics, of course, cruised through their championship run in 2024 with a 16-3 playoff record after a 64-18 regular-season campaign that topped the NBA. Boston still has all its essential contributors from that run, and now, an improved Pritchard.

The Cavs delivered their biggest statement win of the season, rallying from 22 points down to stun the Celtics, 123-116.

The Cavaliers are determined to win it all and to get there they have to go through the defending champions: the Celtics.

Heading into their final regular season matchup with the Celtics, the Cavs are looking to validate their championship swagger.

The two best teams in the Eastern Conference will clash on Friday night when the Boston Celtics take on the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. ET. on ESPN. This will be the fourth meeting of the season between these powerhouses, with the Celtics looking to win the regular season series with a third victory over the Cavs.