The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat tip-off Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Finals series Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble. Below, we analyze the Heat-Celtics Game 3 betting odds and lines, with NBA picks and best bets.
Series: Heat lead 2-0.
Celtics vs. Heat: Key injuries
Celtics
- SF Gordon Hayward (ankle) questionable
- SG Romeo Langford (hip) out
Heat:
- SF Andre Iguodala (back) probable
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Celtics vs. Heat: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Celtics 110, Heat 106
Money line (ML)
The CELTICS (-143) are slight favorites over the Heat in this contest despite trailing 0-2. Miami has won 10 of its last 11 games and the only loss was in overtime of Game 4 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
With the Celtics needing this game to stay alive in the series, look for them to play with a sense of urgency. Take Boston on the moneyline, but consider a bet against the point spread instead as it offers more value.
Line/Against the spread (ATS)
The CELTICS -2.5 (-110) are one-basket favorites. Boston hasn’t fared well against the spread of late, failing to cover in four of its last six games. They have held late fourth-quarter leads over the Heat in both games and will hang-on Saturday.
With some luck, the Celtics could very well be up 2-0 in this series, but they have struggled to put Miami away in the fourth quarter. Don’t expect that to be an issue Saturday and for Boston to win by a few buckets in Game 3.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total for Game 3 between the Celtics and Heat is set at 207.5 points, which feels slightly low. While Game 2 saw just 207 points scored, Game 1 was a much higher scoring contest as both teams scored into the 110s.
Both of these teams can clamp down on defense at will, but this total is just too low. Take the OVER 207.5 (-110) and expect both teams to score into the 100s.
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Also see:
- Dropping two games in a row, Boston’s locker room erupts (Celtics Wire)
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