The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat would like to get some breathing space from each other. Neither team was able to protect home court, each conceding a victory to their opponents. When it comes to what each team would like to accomplish in Game 5, both are seeking to play the best with whatever players are available.
Both the Celtics and Heat have been ravaged by injury, but both teams have been able to persevere and stay in the series. Boston would seem to have the edge with the depth and players it has available. However, when it comes to figuring out how to bet on NBA, there is little debate whether the Heat are game to keep pace.
Miami has been strong at home and finished with the best regular-season record in the Eastern Conference.
Last game, records
The Celtics beat Miami 102-82 Tuesday in Boston. The series is tied at 2-2.
Matchup information
Celtics at Heat Betting Analysis
Miami Betting Analysis
Betting stats NBA show Miami’s offense had major issues during Game 4. The Heat only had three players score in double figures and were led by 23 from Victor Oladipo. However, Miami was stymied by Boston’s excellent defense.
The Heat shot 33.3 percent from the field in Game 4. While Miami shot 38.9 percent from the perimeter, the Heat also struggled from the charity stripe, only knocking down 57.1 percent of their free throws. Miami did protect the ball well, only turning the ball over nine times.
The Heat got solid minutes off the bench from Duncan Robinson, who finished with 14 points, which was the second-most on the team. Miami had benched Robinson earlier in the potseason due to ineffectiveness.
Boston Betting Analysis
Boston evened the series by bludgeoning with defensive effort in Game 4. The Celtics blocked 11 shots and held a 60-39 edge in rebounding. The Celtics also pulled down 14 offensive rebounds and outscored Boston 38-28 in the paint. Boston was especially effective at the free-throw line, making 84.2 percent (32-of-38) of its attempts.
The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who bounced back from being limited to 10 points in the previous game to put up a game-high 31 points and he grabbed eight rebounds. Tatum had plenty of support from the other Boston players. Four other Celtics scored in double figures, including 14 from Payton Pritchard.
Boston would like to see its 3-point shooting pick up. The Celtics struggled mightily in Game 4, only knocking down 23.5 percent of their attempts.
Updates
Tyler Herro, who missed Game 4 for Miami, is questionable for Game 5 with a groin injury. The Heat also have PJ Tucker and Gabe Vincent listed as questionable knee and hamstring injuries, respectively. Boston point guard Marcus Smart is questionable with an ankle injury. Robert Williams is also questionable with a knee injury.
- Boston is 61-36 against the spread.
- Miami is 63-34 against the spread.
- The over is 48-48-1 in the Celtics’ games this season.
- The over is 53-43-1 in the Heat’s games this season.
- Miami is 36-13 against the spread at home.
- Boston is 28-20 against the spread on the road.
Celtics at Heat Betting Preview
NBA betting odds have Boston as a 1.5-point favorite. The Heat are +102 on the moneyline, while Boston is -121. Anyone looking to make NBA picks on the game can also wager on the over/under which is 203.5.
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat Betting Prediction
Heading back to Boston, the Celtics appeared to have the momentum to put series pressure on Miami after sweeping at home. But that’s not how things went. Despite having Jimmy Butler go through an injury issue, the Heat were able to split the two games in Boston. Now once again the pressure will fall on the home team in Miami to score a victory and swing the momentum of the series in their favor.
But Boston’s defense, which has been excellent all season, put the break on Miami in Game 4. Defense tends to be the part of basketball that travels with teams and can help carry teams who are having difficulty making baskets on the other end. While the Heat are an excellent overall team, Miami’s long injury list is finally starting to catch up with them.
How to bet Celtics at Heat
Bet the Celtics -6.5.
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