The Miami Heat (0-1) welcome the Boston Celtics (1-0) to FTX Arena Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Celtics vs. Heat odds, and our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Celtics come into this battle after opening the entire NBA season up Tuesday with a 126-117 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers as 3-point favorites. Boston was after the 1st quarter but rallied to take the lead by winning the 2nd and 3rd quarters.
The Celtics were able to use a combined 70 points from F Jayson Tatum and G Jaylen Brown to pull ahead. Newcomer G Malcolm Brogdon chipped in well with 16 points in his Celtics debut.
The Heat lost their opener Wednesday 116-108 as 7.5-point favorites to the visiting Chicago Bulls who were without G Zach LaVine.
Miami had 3 players top 20 points as F Jimmy Butler led the way with 24 points and 8 rebounds. The Heat will ask more of C Bam Adebayo, who scored just 12 points and had 9 rebounds in their opener.
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Celtics at Heat odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:08 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Heat +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -2.5 (-110) | Heat +2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Celtics at Heat key injuries
Celtics
- C Robert Williams III (knee) out
Heat
- G Victor Oladipo (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Celtics at Heat picks and predictions
Prediction
Heat 108, Celtics 106
Moneyline
SPRINKLE HEAT (+110).
The Heat being home underdogs is criminal, and although the Celtics did beat the 76ers, it seems unlikely they will get a similar level of production from Brown and Tatum.
Also, Butler abused the Celtics in a 7-game playoff series last season. The Heat are 0-1 and the Celtics are 1-0, and considering how each played, this is a perfect buy-low opportunity for Miami.
Against the spread
BET HEAT +2.5 (-110).
The Heat had the 4th-best defensive rating and 6th-best net rating last season. With a roster that mimics that of last season, the offensive ceiling is capped for Miami, but it should still thrive defensively.
The Heat played well Wednesday despite losing. Miami had 19 turnovers, but that isn’t how the Boston defense thrives, ranking 13th in turnovers forced last season.
The Heat did shoot 46.3% from the field. If the Celtics don’t create those turnovers and their stars regress as expected, the Heat should be able to cover as home ‘dogs.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 219.5 (-112).
Both teams ranked in the top 4 in defensive rating last season. There’s not much reason to believe Tatum or Brown will top 35 points against Butler and Adebayo.
That was far above their average, and regression for Boston is expected. Similarly, the Heat shot well and may not have that same success as Boston led the league in opponents’ field goal percentage last season.
Expect a low-scoring primetime game.
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