The Miami Heat begin a best-of-7 series in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday at TD Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Heat vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Heat defeated the New York Knicks 96-92 last Friday to close out the series in 6 games. Miami has gone 8-3 in the playoffs thus far after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in 5 games in the 1st round of the postseason.
On Sunday, the Celtics cruised to a 112-88 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 to advance. Boston has recorded an 8-5 record in its 13 playoff contests.
During the regular season, the Heat and the Celtics met 4 times and they split those 4 games. Miami and Boston also split covering the spread and the Over/Under went 2-2 in the 4 meetings in the regular season.
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Heat at Celtics odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:13 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Heat +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Celtics -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Heat +7.5 (-105) | Celtics -7.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 210.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Heat at Celtics key injuries
Heat
- G Tyler Herro (hand) out
- G Victor Oladipo (knee) out
- C Cody Zeller (head) questionable
Celtics
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Heat at Celtics picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 111, Heat 107
Moneyline
PASS.
The Celtics are expected to secure the win at home to begin the series, but taking them straight up isn’t worth the risk at the current odds (-350).
Against the spread
HEAT +7.5 (-105) is how I’d wager on the spread in this game with F Jimmy Butler on the other side of the court against the Celtics. C Bam Adebayo has also historically performed well on both ends of the court against Boston.
The Heat are 13-5 ATS in the last 18 road meetings against the Celtics. Miami is also 8-3 ATS in its 11 playoff games thus far.
Over/Under
Even though it’s the playoffs and these teams are formidable defensive units, OVER 210.5 (-110) is an enticing bet. The Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Boston.
The Heat are also 8-1 to the Over in their last 9 road games, while the Celtics are 5-1 to the Over in their last 6 games following a win.
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