The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics will square off on Friday night. Miami earned a victory in Game 1 of the series by a final score of 123-116, upsetting the odds in the process.
The Heat will look to upset the odds once again in Game 2 of the series. However, winning at least one game on the road was the initial goal for Miami, and they have already accomplished that.
The NBA playoffs betting odds favor Boston, but this Heat team can’t be overlooked. Miami has thrived as an underdog, and they simply don’t care what anybody says about them. That mindset has helped them get this far.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST on Friday, May 19 at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. Let’s take a look at the Heat vs Celtics prediction, NBA picks, and analysis.
Overall Game Info & Outlook
- Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
- The Heat lead the series 1-0 over the Celtics.
- TD Garden, Boston, MA
- This game is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST
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Miami Heat at Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Miami Heat Preview
The Miami Heat have performed well during the playoffs. Despite being an NBA Play-In Tournament team, they did not back down. Miami has continued to upset the odds throughout these players, and the Celtics have too feel worried heading into this Friday night affair.
The Heat aren’t the most talented team in the league. That said, Miami’s pure hustle and motivation has carried them. It will be what keeps them afloat moving forward as well.
Let’s take a look at their against-the-spread records.
- The Miami Heat are 40-53-3 against the spread this season.
- The Heat are 20-26-1 against the spread when playing on the road.
- Miami is 18-15 against the spread as an underdog.
- They are 13-13 against the spread when playing as an away underdog.
The Heat’s against the spread numbers have been less than ideal. Much of that stemmed from an inability to cover the spread as a favorite early in the season. Miami has, however, performed fairly well against the spread as an underdog.
Jimmy Butler led the charge once again in Game 1 versus Boston. He scored 35 points to go along with seven assists and five rebounds.
Bam Adebayo added 20 points and eighth boards. Meanwhile, four other players all scored exactly 15 points to help on offense.
Miami is in a good position heading into Game 2.
Boston Celtics Preview
The Boston Celtics were heavy favorites heading into the series, but the Heat shocked the NBA world with a win on Wednesday.
Boston is still favored to win the series, but the Heat have continued to defy the odds. The Celtics must find a way to contain Jimmy Butler on Friday. If they are unable to do so, the Heat might just take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Here’s a look at Boston’s against the spread records.
- The Boston Celtics are 54-42 against the spread this year.
- The Celtics are 28-21-0 against the spread when playing at home.
- Boston is 46-41 against the spread when playing as a favorite.
- They are 26-21 against the spread as a home favorite.
The Celtics have done a nice job against the spread this season. They have been consistent at home in the department, and will try to cover the spread in this game.
In Game 1, the Heat simply out-played the Celtics. Boston’s offensive output wasn’t bad, shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc in the game. Jayson Tatum led the way with 30 points, while Jaylen Brown added 22.
The Celtics’ typically reliable defense had no answer for the Heat’s versatile attack. Miami finished at the rim, hit from the mid-range, and found the bottom of the net from deep.
Defense will be the key to the Celtics earning a bounce back win on Friday night.
Let’s take a look at the NBA BetUS and other sportsbook odds.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
Betonline: Boston Celtics -9
Bovada: Boston Celtics -9
MyBookie: Boston Celtics -9
BetUS: Boston Celtics -9
BetNow: Boston Celtics -9
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics Odds & Picks
Odds for this Matchup:
The Boston Celtics are favored in this game, but are they the best bet? Covering a spread this large will be quite the challenge after all. The Celtics, though, feature more than enough talent to get the job done.
It’s time to reveal our Heat vs Celtics prediction.
Recommended Pick:
Which team should you place your money on? Let’s officially reveal our Heat vs Celtics prediction.
This is going to be a competitive game. Miami had some trouble covering spreads during the regular season, but that has changed in the playoffs. They have grown used to playing the role of underdog and almost seem to prefer it.
On the other hand, the Celtics are used to being favorites. Boston understands that they can’t take anything for granted.
In what will be a hard-fought game, the chances of Miami losing by nine points or more are slim. Winning the game outright isn’t going to be easy, as defeating the Celtics in back-to-back contests is challenging to say the least.
In the end, however, the Heat are the best bet for your spread selection.
Go ahead and roll with the Miami Heat +9 with your Friday night betting selection in what should be an exciting Eastern Conference Finals affair.
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