In a win-or-go-home situation, the Miami Heat delivered, beating the Boston Celtics 111-103 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, Game 7 will be in Miami.
Jimmy Butler had the performance of a lifetime with 47 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Butler scored the most points in franchise history when facing elimination. Kyle Lowry had a bounce-back game, logging 18 points and 10 assists.
The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who had 30 points and nine rebounds but a game-high seven turnovers. Jaylen Brown had 20 points and was only 1-for-3 from deep. Derrick White was a significant help off the bench, as he had 22 points and was 4-for-7 from behind the arc.
It was a close battle throughout, with both teams going back and forth with the lead. The Heat had a 13-point lead in the second half, but the Celtics wiped it away, taking a lead of their own. Eventually, Miami was able to break away in the fourth quarter thanks to Butler’s incredible play.
Boston went up 3-2 in the ECF against the Heat in 2012 and against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018. However, the Celtics allowed both LeBron James-led teams to come back and win the series. Though Miami doesn’t have LeBron anymore, Butler is doing his best to mimic his play.
Here’s who we have winning Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Game 7 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Saturday, May 28, at 12 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Celtics (-140), Heat (+120)
- Spread: Celtics -2.5 (-110), Heat +2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 197 (-110), Under 197 (-110)
- Implied Score: Celtics 99.75, Heat 97.25
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Heat vs Celtics Game 7 Prediction
After going 7-for-45 from deep in Game 5, the Heat had a much better shooting performance in Game 6, going 15-for-35 from three. They also shot 46.2% from the field, while Boston shot 44.4% and went 11-for-33 from beyond the arc.
The Heat’s backcourt turned things around just in time for Miami. Lowry finished the game with a double-double, and after missing 16 straight field goals in two games, Max Strus went 5-for-12 from the field with 13 points. The two guards went 7-for-17 combined from deep before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Outside of the three players with 20+ points, Marcus Smart and Robert Williams both scored in double-digits for Boston, with 14 and 12 points. However, Smart shot 26.7% from the field, and Williams was a non-factor on the glass, pulling down just one rebound.
Game 6 was the most evenly-matched of the series, as neither team could truly pull away from the other. Even when the Heat went up 13 points, the Celtics came right back and took a lead of their own in front of their home crowd. Boston’s biggest lead of the night was four points, as Miami was in control for most of the game.
Heat vs Celtics Game 7 Score Pick
Heat 110, Celtics 104
This postseason, Miami was 6-0 at home entering the Eastern Conference Finals but has gone 1-2 since then. So while the Celtics have the Heat’s number on their home court, in a Game 7 environment in front of their home crowd, Miami isn’t losing this game.
Neither team will give an inch with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line. The Celtics have a chance to return for the first time since 2010, while the Heat can go back for the second time in three years.
Both teams shot well from the field and made plenty of trips to the line, with Miami taking 25 free throws and Boston taking 31. The Celtics had the momentum in front of their home crowd, giving them the energy needed to come back throughout the game. With the series in Miami for an all-important Game 7, the Celtics can’t fall too far behind.
The Heat will need to mimic the hot start they had in Game 6 and put their foot on the gas. Butler should have another big game for Miami, but he’ll also need help from Bam Adebayo, who had just six points in the victory.
When this game comes to an end, it’ll be the Miami Heat taking on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Game 7 Best Bets
Heat Moneyline (+120)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics are -2.5 point favorites on the road in Game 7, even after the Heat’s victory in Game 6. I have Miami winning this game, so we’re taking the moneyline at plus-odds rather than them covering the spread at (-110) odds.
The losing team has not covered the spread at all in this series. Games 1 and 2 were blowouts, so the spread was a non-factor. The Celtics were the favorites in Game 3 but lost, and then beat the Heat by double-digits in Games 4 and 5.
If Miami loses Game 7, they aren’t covering the spread at +2.5. Game 6 was close throughout, and while Game 7 will follow a similar trend, neither team is winning on a buzzer-beater. Take the Heat to win outright as our NBA bet of the day.
OVER 197 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
After the Under hit in back-to-back games, the Over hit in Game 6, so we’re hopping back on the Over train for Game 7. This is the first time in this series the total is under 200 points, and these teams can easily clear it.
Looking for more ways to bet this NBA Playoffs series?
- Check out our Heat vs Celtics Game 7 Props.
- Read our Heat vs Celtics Game 7 Parlays.
The offense in Game 6 outweighed the defense, giving us 214 combined points. Both sides will be locked in for Game 7, as the winner moves on for a chance at the championship while the loser goes home. More offense will be on display in Game 7.
PREVIOUSLY: Heat vs Celtics Game 6 Prediction
The first half of Game 5 was the defensive battle everyone expected, but the second half continued the trend of blowouts, as the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat 93-80 to take a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jaylen Brown had a bounce-back game, scoring 25 points and going 5-for-9 from deep, while Jayson Tatum was one assist away from a triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. Derrick White played well off the bench, scoring 14 points and only missing two shots.
Bam Adebayo led the team with 18 points and 10 rebounds for Miami. Gabe Vincent was second on the team in points, contributing 15 off the bench. Jimmy Butler struggled to score for the second game in a row as he went 4-for-18 from the field.
Miami led 42-37 going into halftime, but Boston came out on fire in the second half, outscoring the Heat 32-16 in the third quarter and at one point taking a 23-point lead.
The last time the Celtics went to the NBA Finals was in 2010. Now they’re one win away from returning, and they have the momentum with the series returning to Boston. Here’s who we have winning Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Game 6 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Thursday, May 26, at 2 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Celtics (-440), Heat (+340)
- Spread: Celtics -8.5 (-110), Heat +8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 201 (-110), Under 201 (-110)
- Implied Score: Celtics 104.75, Heat 96.25
Heat vs Celtics Game 6 Prediction
Miami’s starters were almost bested by their bench again in Game 5, narrowly outscoring them 42-38. Since his injury in Game 3, Butler is averaging 9.5 points and is shooting 21.9% from the field.
The Heat’s starting backcourt has struggled mightily in the last two games. Kyle Lowry and Max Strus have gone 1-for-28 from the field and 1-for-19 from deep, combining for just 7 points.
Their counterparts off the bench, Vincent and Duncan Robinson, have gone 17-for-45 and 10-f0r-30 from deep, combining for 46 points.
It was a tale of two halves in Miami. The first half was a strong defensive game, with the Heat capitalizing on the Celtics’ mistakes. In the second half, the Heat struggled to keep up with the Celtics as they went on a scoring run. For the game, Miami shot 7-for-45 from deep and 31.9% from the field.
Boston had the height advantage in Game 5, as the Heat ran with P.J. Tucker as their backup center. Though Miami out-rebounded the Celtics, Al Horford (16 points, seven rebounds, two blocks) and Robert Williams (six points, 10 rebounds, three blocks) were as imposing as ever.
Heat vs Celtics Game 6 Score Pick
Celtics 100, Heat 96
As per the trend of this series, Miami was supposed to win this game by a close margin after going on a run. However, Boston had other plans, going on a big run of their own in the third quarter and winning the game.
Game 6 will break the trend of blowouts and instead be similar to the defensive battle these teams had in the first half of Game 5. Going into the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat and Celtics were both lauded for their strong defenses. We haven’t seen a full game with both defenses on display, but we’ll get that in Game 6.
The Celtics are one game away from going to the NBA Finals, while the Heat have their backs against the wall, needing to win two games. Both sides will deploy everything they have to get their team the win.
However, it might be too late for Miami. Boston has all the momentum and is playing at home. The Celtics will punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Game 6 Best Bets
Heat Cover +8.5 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Even though I have the Celtics winning Game 6, this will be the closest game of the series, and the Heat will keep it within reach.
The first half of Game 5 is what we will get in Game 6. Neither team will give an inch with everything on the line, and I expect the Heat to bounce back. Butler has had a string of bad games and will look to take over in a win-or-go-home situation.
This is the largest the spread has been in this series, and while Boston has beaten Miami by double-digits in each of their wins in this series, this will be a tighter game, making this our NBA bet of the day.
UNDER 201 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Game 5 was the second consecutive game in which the Under hit, so we’re riding the trend and taking Under 201 points in Game 6. Defense played a huge part in Miami, and it will continue to be a significant factor in this next contest in Boston.
Looking for more ways to bet this NBA Playoffs series?
- Check out our Heat vs Celtics Game 6 Props.
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The Under was bound to hit in this series. The Over just barely hit in Game 3, and Game 4’s total was nowhere near the Over. Both teams have put the strength of their defenses on display.
Game 6 won’t feature the same defensive battle we saw in Game 5, but it still won’t reach the 201 mark. The Under will hit, but just by a small margin.
PREVIOUSLY: Heat vs Celtics Game 5 Prediction
A series that was anticipated to feature tight battles has instead become a bunch of blowouts, as the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat 102-82 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
After going 3-for-14 in Game 3, Jayson Tatum came out strong in Game 4 with 31 points, eight rebounds, and five assists on 50% shooting. Jaylen Brown only scored 12 points in the win, but the Celtics had three other players score in double-digits.
Miami struggled right out the gate, missing 15 of their first 16 shots. The starters combined for 18 points on 7-of-36 shooting, and they sat the entire fourth quarter. The Heat were led by Victor Oladipo and Duncan Robinson, who finished with a combined 37 points.
Boston entered this game 4-0 after a loss this postseason and extended it to 5-0. They took advantage of the Heat’s slow start, jumping out to a 26-4 lead in the first quarter, and never looked back.
The Celtics have the momentum going into Game 5, but they’ll head to Miami with the series knotted up at two games each. Here’s who we have winning Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Game 5 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Tuesday, May 24, at 4 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Celtics (-125), Heat (+105)
- Spread: Celtics -1.5 (-110), Heat +1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 203.5 (-110), Under 203.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Celtics 102.5, Heat 101
Heat vs Celtics Game 5 Prediction
In Game 1, the Heat went on a 22-2 run in the third quarter. In Game 2, the Celtics went on a 17-0 late in the first quarter. In Game 3, Miami led by 26 points in the first half. And now, in Game 4, Boston went up 26-4.
Both teams sport good offenses and strong defenses, but they each take turns taking the night off every other game. Game 4 just happened to be the Heat’s turn.
Injuries affected both teams, as the Celtics were without Marcus Smart and the Heat without Tyler Herro. However, Miami couldn’t capitalize on missing one of Boston’s best defenders, as Jimmy Butler and the rest of the starting lineup were uncharacteristically quiet in the game.
Miami had one less field goal made but six more three-pointers made than Boston, so how did the Heat lose by 20? The Celtics made a living at the free throw line, going 32-for-38 while the Heat went 8-for-14. Boston had a lot of calls go their way in Game 4.
Heat vs Celtics Game 5 Score Pick
Heat 109, Celtics 102
If we’re sticking with the trend of how this series has gone, that means Game 5 will be a tightly contested win for the Heat. Both sides will figure it out at a certain point, and we won’t have a blowout on our hands or anyone decisively running away with it.
Miami’s bench scored 64 points in the loss, which was good for 78% of the team’s points. That kind of abysmal performance from the starters won’t fly on home court, as the Heat will turn things around in Game 5.
Tatum found his groove again last game, while Brown had a less-than-ideal showing in Game 4, going 5-for-20 from the field and 1-for-6 from deep. It was a must-win game for Boston, while Miami could afford the loss.
Game 5 now begins a best-of-three series for the Heat and Celtics, in which Miami will take the lead.
Heat vs Celtics Game 5 Best Bets
Heat Moneyline (+105)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Even after the blowout loss, with Game 5 at home, the Heat are underdogs by only 1.5 points. However, we’re avoiding the spread and going right for the Moneyline.
These contests have either been blowouts or close games. If Miami loses Game 5, it won’t be by one point. If they win, we might as well take the plus-odds the moneyline offers.
During the postseason, Miami is 7-1 at home, with Boston giving them their one loss in Game 2. The Heat were banged up in Game 4, as multiple starters reported injuries prior to tip-off. They’ll look to be healthier in Game 5 and come out with a win on their home court for our NBA bet of the day.
OVER 203.5 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Game 4 was the first game of the series that the Over didn’t hit. The Celtics did their part, scoring over 100 points, while the Heat could only muster up 82 points in the loss.
Looking for more ways to bet this NBA Playoffs series?
- Check out our Heat vs Celtics Game 5 Props.
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Don’t let Game 4 deter you, though. Game 5 will be a much different story. Miami won’t have that poor of a showing at home as they did in Boston, and the Celtics have the momentum to continue their high-scoring ways.
PREVIOUSLY: Heat vs Celtics Game 4 Prediction
After getting blown out in Game 2, the Miami Heat bounced back in Boston to beat the Celtics 109-103 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Bam Adebayo broke out of his offensive slump by putting up a double-double with 31 points and 10 rebounds. With Jimmy Butler missing the second half with an injury, P.J. Tucker and Max Strus stepped up for Miami, scoring 17 and 16 points, respectively.
The Celtics struggled right out of the gate, falling behind 39-18 after the first quarter. Jaylen Brown had a playoff career-high 40 points in the loss. Jayson Tatum struggled in the game, scoring 10 points on 21.4% shooting. Tatum and Marcus Smart briefly left with injuries in the second half but returned shortly after.
Even with Butler out in the second half, Miami’s defense clamped up the Celtics in Game 3. The Heat had a franchise playoff record 19 steals as opposed to Boston’s two steals.
With a 2-1 series lead, the Heat have one more game in Boston before they can play in front of their home crowd again. Here’s who we have winning Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Game 4 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Sunday, May 22, at 5 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Celtics (-280), Heat (+230)
- Spread: Celtics -6 (-110), Heat +6 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 207.5 (-110), Under 207.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Celtics 106.75, Heat 100.75
Heat vs Celtics Game 4 Prediction
Similar to how Game 2 started, the Heat came out the gates on fire. However, unlike Game 2, the Heat held onto the lead in Game 3. Miami led by 26 at one point in the first half, and once they took the lead, they never gave it up.
Kyle Lowry made his return after missing eight consecutive games, contributing 11 points and six assists. He also made an impact on defense, recording four steals on the day. Adebayo and Victor Oladipo also contributed four steals each.
For the Celtics, Al Horford put up a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Smart contributed 16 points and seven assists. Grant Williams was the only other Boston player to score in double-digits with 10 points.
As a team, the Celtics outperformed the Heat in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free throws attempted, and rebounds. However, Boston had 24 turnovers to Miami’s seven, and the Heat outscored the Celtics in the paint 48-34.
Heat vs Celtics Game 4 Score Pick
Heat 110, Celtics 101
Miami jumped out to a massive lead in the first half and held on to win by six, even with their star player out the entire second half. Butler is considered questionable for Game 4, which is great news for the Heat.
The Heat’s defense was spectacular, specifically from Oladipo off the bench toward the end of the game. Miami focused on locking down Tatum, and they succeeded in limiting him in Game 3.
Boston needs both Tatum and Brown to have big games in order to succeed. When one of them struggles, the Celtics don’t have someone who can fill their shoes. Even with Brown scoring 40 points, Tatum still missed 11 shots, including six from deep.
Game 4 will be a close battle throughout, and with both sides fully healthy, don’t expect the Heat to jump out to a monster lead again. However, Miami will be in control throughout, carrying the momentum into Game 5 at home.
Heat vs Celtics Game 4 Best Bets
Heat Cover +6 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
After how Game 3 went, it doesn’t make sense for the Celtics to be still favored by six points. It feels like ages ago that they were blown out in Game 2.
Miami led by 26 points in the first half and still held onto the lead with Butler out in the second. Adebayo having a monster game was huge, and it seems like he’ll continue this dominant play for the rest of the series.
Game 4 will be close, but the Heat will be in control throughout, either winning outright or losing by a close margin, for our NBA bet of the day.
OVER 207.5 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Unlike the first two games, the Over was a sweat in Game 3. The first half Over hit thanks to a Tatum three-pointer with 1.4 left in the half, while the total Over hit because of it being a close game, forcing the Celtics to foul and push to score down the stretch.
Looking for more ways to bet this NBA Playoffs series?
- Check out our Heat vs Celtics Game 4 Props.
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The defense in Game 3 improved on both sides, thus giving us a close call with the total. Nonetheless, I believe the offense will still outweigh the defense in this series to give us four straight games with the Over.
PREVIOUSLY: Heat vs Celtics Game 3 Prediction
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals was an absolute blowout, as the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat 127-102 to even the series 1-1.
The Celtics returned Marcus Smart and Al Horford, which made a huge difference. Smart had a double-double with 24 points, 12 assists, nine rebounds, and drained five three-pointers. Horford had 10 points, but his presence in the paint was obvious.
Miami’s offense struggled to keep up with Boston, and outside of Jimmy Butler, there was no help. Butler had 29 points and six rebounds and shot 61.1% from the field. While the Celtics had six players score in double figures (three with 20+ points), the Heat had four (only one with 20+ points).
With this series going to Boston for two games, the Celtics have the momentum and could jump out to a 2-1 series advantage heading into Game 4. Here’s who we have winning Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Game 3 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Friday, May 20, at 12 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Celtics (-270), Heat (+220)
- Spread: Celtics -6.5 (-110), Heat +6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 207.5 (-110), Under 207.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Celtics 107, Heat 100.5
Heat vs Celtics Game 3 Prediction
The Heat came out the gates firing, taking an 18-8 lead with 7:29 left in the first quarter. However, Boston cut the lead, and when it looked like it both teams would trade buckets, the Celtics put their foot on the gas and left Miami behind.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 27 points, while Jaylen Brown had 24 points. The two stars combined for nine three-pointers made. Off the bench, Grant Williams had 19, while Payton Pritchard continued to score in double-digits with 10 points.
Bam Adebayo‘s presence has been almost non-existent throughout the playoffs. He has the same amount of games this postseason of scoring 20+ points and under 10 points (four games). Against the Celtics in Game 2, he had six points and nine boards and took just six shots.
Throughout this season, defense and three-point shooting have been synonymous with the Heat, but they had a bad performance in both categories in Game 2. Miami only made 10 threes, shooting 29.4% from deep. On the other hand, Boston excelled in both categories, shooting 50% from beyond the arc.
Heat vs Celtics Game 3 Score Pick
Celtics 116, Heat 112
Boston was resilient and didn’t let a slow start impact their game. With the return of Smart and Horford, the Celtics’ defense got even stronger, and only Butler could make a dent in the scoring.
Miami was a deer in headlights in Game 2, going down 34 points in the second half. The Heat didn’t know what to expect, and their game fell apart when the Celtics went on a run. Miami needs players outside of Butler to make an impact and bear some of the scoring load, as it can’t just be the Jimmy Butler show.
The Heat desperately need Kyle Lowry back. While they’ve been undefeated without him, and Gabe Vincent has played well in his absence, he’s not on the same level as Lowry.
Game 3 will be much closer than Game 2, but with the momentum and home-court advantage favoring the Celtics, they’ll ultimately pull out the victory.
Heat vs Celtics Game 3 Best Bets
Heat Cover +6.5 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The spread for Game 2 started at -3.5 in favor of the Heat but went down to -1 as we got closer to tip-off. After last game, it’s no surprise the Celtics are favored by 6.5 points.
Miami won’t let what happened in Game 2 happen again in Game 3. After getting blown out by the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3, their Game 4 loss was much closer. The Heat are a resilient team and will bounce back after getting embarrassed on their home court.
Look for Game 3 to be a much closer matchup, with the Heat either losing by six or less or winning outright for our NBA bet of the day.
OVER 208 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Over was never in doubt for Game 2, as both teams combined for 229 points. Both sides sport strong defenses, but the offensive power is too strong in this series.
Looking for more ways to bet this NBA Playoffs series?
- Check out our Heat vs Celtics Game 3 Props.
- Read our Heat vs Celtics Game 3 Parlays.
As they have all the momentum, Boston will continue to put their foot on the gas in Game 3, while Miami will look to get back on track and pour on the points. Expect this series to continue to be high-scoring.
PREVIOUSLY: Heat vs Celtics Game 2 Prediction
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals did not disappoint, as the Miami Heat beat the Boston Celtics 118-107 to take a 1-0 series lead.
The Heat were led by their star, Jimmy Butler, who put on a playoff performance to remember. Butler had 41 points on 63.2% shooting from the field while also having nine rebounds, five assists, four steals, and three blocks. Butler also lived at the line, going 17-for-18 at the charity stripe.
With Marcus Smart and Al Horford out, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown stepped up for the Celtics. Tatum had 29 points and 4 steals, while Brown had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Boston held a 13-point lead at one point in the first half, but the Heat were propelled by a 22-2 run in the third quarter and never looked back.
With the Heat looking to take a 2-0 lead and the Celtics wanting to even the series heading to Boston, here’s who we have winning Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Game 2 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Wednesday, May 18, at 2 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Heat (-180), Celtics (+155)
- Spread: Heat -4 (-110), Celtics +4 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 207.5 (-110), Under 207.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Heat 105.75, Celtics 101.75
Heat vs Celtics Game 2 Prediction
Boston entered the second half with a 62-54 lead, having controlled most of the first half. However, Miami came out on fire in the third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 39-14. Butler scored 17 of his 41 points in the frame, as the Celtics went 2-for-15 from the field in 12 minutes.
Outside of Butler, the Heat had four other players score in double-digits: Tyler Herro (18 points), Gabe Vincent (17 points), Max Strus (11 points), and Bam Adebayo (10 points). Miami’s defense was on display, forcing 16 turnovers and logging 12 blocks.
After missing four games against the Milwaukee Bucks, Robert Williams III made a big return, scoring 18 points and missing just two shots. Payton Pritchard was big off the bench, scoring 18 points and draining four from deep.
Game 1 was a dogfight, as both teams combined for 47 fouls. However, Miami gained the most from it (especially Butler), as they went 30-for-34 from the charity stripe while Boston missed eight free throws, going 24-for-32 from the line.
Heat vs Celtics Game 2 Score Pick
Heat 115, Celtics 104
It was clear the Heat had some rust on them in the first half but were able to shake it off in the second, outscoring the Celtics 64-45. Miami was ruthless on defense, holding Tatum to eight points on 1-for-7 shooting in the second half.
The Celtics were missing Smart and Horford, while the Heat were without Kyle Lowry. Luckily for the Heat, they’ve played well in Lowry’s absence in the playoffs, going 7-0 in games without him. Smart could return in Game 2, which would be big for Boston, but Horford is unlikely to return that soon.
Even with Smart returning, it still won’t be enough. The Heat got into a groove in the second half and will carry it over into Game 2. Miami is undefeated at home during the playoffs, and with the way Butler has been playing, that streak will continue.
Heat vs Celtics Game 2 Best Bets
Heat Cover -4 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
In the first half of Game 1, the Celtics held a 13-point lead at one point. In the second half, the Heat’s biggest lead was 20 points. Boston would cut the lead down, but Miami would hold on to win by 11.
With the rust gone and how Game 1 ended, the gloves are off for the Heat. Butler took over, and Miami had big performances from two of their young stars. Anyone on this team can take over at any point for the Heat, which makes things difficult for the Celtics.
The Heat will head to Boston with a 2-0 series lead after another big win in Game 2, so back Miami to cover as our NBA bet of the day.
OVER 207.5 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Both defenses played well in Game 1, but it was still a high-scoring game, given how both offenses can get going at any moment. The score at halftime combined for 116, so we were always on pace to hit the Over.
Looking for more ways to bet this NBA Playoffs series?
- Check out our Heat vs Celtics Game 2 Props.
- Read our Heat vs Celtics Game 2 Parlays.
This will be a scrappy series, and this was known from the start. That means more fouls will be called, which means more opportunities for free throws. Both teams combined for 66 free-throw attempts in Game 1.
It’s almost guaranteed that Butler, Tatum, and Brown will each score over 20 points. That alone should make you confident in the Over hitting.
PREVIOUSLY: Heat vs Celtics Game 1 Prediction
The top two seeds in the Eastern Conference go head-to-head as the Miami Heat take on the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. This will be the second time in three years that these two teams meet in the ECF, as the Heat beat the Celtics in 2020 to go to the NBA Finals.
Miami beat the Philadelphia 76ers in six games in a series people thought they would be upset by Philly. Boston took down the Milwaukee Bucks — the defending champions — in seven games to get back to the Conference Finals.
With a shot at the NBA Finals on the line, both teams want to kick this series off the right way in Game 1 with a win.
Here’s who we have winning Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Game 1 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Monday, May 16, at 4 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Heat (-125), Celtics (+105)
- Spread: Heat -1.5 (-110), Celtics +1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 204 (-110), Under 204 (-110)
- Implied Score: Heat 102.75, Celtics 101.25
Heat vs Celtics Game 1 Prediction
Miami and Boston last met in the playoffs in the bubble in 2020. It was a hard-fought series that the Heat ultimately won 4-2. The following year, both teams were bounced from the first round, with the Heat being swept and the Celtics only able to win one game.
In three games during the regular season, the Celtics beat the Heat twice. However, both Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry were out for one of those two losses.
Butler has been unstoppable during the playoffs, as he’s averaging 28.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and a league-leading 2.1 steals, and also is shooting 52.5% from the field. In addition, he’s only had one game under 20 points and recorded a double-double in four games.
At 24 years old, Jayson Tatum has been the go-to guy in Boston. Tatum is averaging 28.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists throughout this playoff run. He has come up big for the Celtics time and time again, dropping 46 points in an elimination game against the Bucks.
Heat vs Celtics Game 1 Score Pick
Heat 110, Celtics 100
Given how both teams preach strong defensive play, this series will be all about trying to clamp the opponent. The Heat have held opponents under 100 points seven times during the playoffs — the most such games in the NBA — giving them the edge.
Boston relies heavily on Tatum and Jaylen Brown to perform well, and when they’re getting locked up, things don’t run as smoothly. Both teams will come out firing in Game 1, but Miami’s defense will propel them to a win.
Heat vs Celtics Game 1 Best Bets
Heat Cover -1.5 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Miami has gone undefeated at home throughout the playoffs, and the team has won nine consecutive games at FTX Arena. The Heat have also gotten a little more rest than the Celtics, as their series only went to six games as opposed to Boston’s seven.
It’ll be surprising to see any game in this series be within a point. In the regular season series, their matchups were separated by 17, 30, and eight points, with their final meeting being the closest.
Back the Heat to create some separation in Game 1 and win by more than two points as our NBA bet of the day.
OVER 204 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Even though defense will be a significant focal point in this series, 204 points is a low total for Game 1, as both teams will be trying to adjust to each other’s defenses.
Looking for more ways to bet this NBA Playoffs series?
- Check out our Heat vs Celtics Game 1 Props.
- Read our Heat vs Celtics Game 1 Parlays.
The defense will come in this series, but both sides will come out firing in Game 1 to make a statement. Look for Butler and Tatum to take over for their respective teams.
PREVIOUSLY: Heat vs Celtics Series Prediction
Even though the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics were the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference, people expected them to lose in their second-round matchups. Now, these two teams will meet in the Conference Finals for the second time in three years.
The Heat took care of the 76ers in six games following back-to-back losses on the road, while the Celtics needed all seven games to eliminate the defending champs.
Miami and Boston last met in the playoffs in the bubble, where the Heat went on to the NBA Finals. Both sides have exciting young stars in Bam Adebayo and Jayson Tatum that will look to replicate their performances from their bubble matchup.
Here’s how we have this series playing out.
Heat vs Celtics Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Monday, May 16, at 3 p.m. ET.
- Series Winner: Heat (+155), Celtics (-175)
Heat vs Celtics Series Pick
This matchup is the best outcome we could’ve gotten for the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat and Celtics are the two best teams in the conference with some of the most exciting young stars in the NBA.
Aside from a few players, most of this Miami roster was a part of that 2020 NBA Finals run, along with the additions of two NBA champions in Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker. However, no one on the Boston roster has been to the Finals, and the team has lost their last five appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Miami is in good hands with Jimmy Butler, who’s averaging 28.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.1 steals during the playoffs, along with 52.5% shooting from the field. He has the ability to take over games that teams need deep in the playoffs.
While Butler has had the better play this postseason, the best player on the court is Tatum. He’s averaging 28.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists during the playoffs. This postseason, Tatum also has five 30+ point games, including a 46-point performance to take Game 6 in Milwaukee.
Outside of Butler, Adebayo, Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, the deciding factor of this series will be how the role players perform.
For the Heat, Max Strus took over for Duncan Robinson and has come up clutch, while Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo have been sparks off the bench. For the Celtics, Grant Williams and Payton Pritchard most recently had big performances in Game 7 that could carry over into this series.
Heat vs Celtics Series Score Pick
Heat in 6 Games
Miami is the No. 1 seed in the East, yet are the underdogs in this series. Outside of Tatum and Brown, there’s not much that should scare the Heat. Marcus Smart is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, but he has flaws to his game that can be exploited.
This will be a hard-fought, defensive-minded series, but when the Heat put their focus on Tatum and Brown, who will the Celtics go to? The rest of the team is inconsistent and can’t be relied on to carry the load.
For Miami, the team is extremely deep and doesn’t necessarily need to rely on Butler for scoring. The Heat have a list of options to go to, including Herro, Max Strus, and Oladipo, to name a few. They’re also the strongest defensive team, as they’ve held opponents under 100 points seven times in the postseason.
Heat vs Celtics Best Bets
Series Betting: Miami Heat (+155)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Even though the Celtics are the favorites at (-175) and just beat the defending champs last round, Miami is the better and more experienced team, having been through all this before.
Not having Lowry until further notice definitely is a blow, but the Heat won all four of their games against Philadelphia without him. The Heat have a next-man-up mentality that is working for them.
Offense wins games, but defense wins championships, and Miami has the much stronger defense over Boston. It’ll become too overwhelming for the Celtics, and the Heat will return to the Finals for the second time in three years.
Back the Heat in our NBA bet of the day.
Heat Cover +1.5 Series Spread (-135)
WAGER: 1 Unit
This series is going to go to at least six games. Both teams are too good to allow the other to beat them in five games, or worse, in a sweep.
The Heat are undefeated at home so far in the postseason, and if they were to go up 3-2 heading into Game 6, they can close out the series in Boston. If you want to take this to play things safe, this is the bet to make.
