No love lost: Cavaliers, Celtics to renew heated hoops rivalry in NBA playoffs

Cavs, Celtics ready to rumble in playoffs

CLEVELAND — LeBron James’ elbow won’t be the only one getting attention when the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics meet in the NBA playoffs.

The two teams have a strong dislike for each other and will be meeting for the second time in three years when their series begins on Saturday. The Celtics defeated the Cavs in seven physical games in the 2008 Eastern Conference semifinals on the way to winning their 17th title.

James is not expected to be slowed by a strained and bruised elbow, which has been bothering him for weeks.

The teams split their four regular-season meetings, with Boston winning the last 117-113 on April 4, a game that featured some major trash talking between James and Celtics star Kevin Garnett.