All eyes on this series thus far have been centered around each team’s respective injury situations. Miami Heat got a big lift in Game 3 when Kyle Lowry returned for the first time in nearly two weeks to lift the Heat to a surprising win. The Heat wouldn’t come through that battle unscathed, as now Miami is monitoring Jimmy Butler’s and Tyler Herro’s status for Game 3.
Playing without either play would interrupt the Heat’s opportunity to really put a stranglehold on this series. How to bet on NBA includes always looking at the injury report as game-time approaches. When players are made available just before the game starts, this can cause a major swing in the spread.
Much like Miami, Boston Celtics also took its far share of nicks in Game 3. Jayson Tatum went down with an injury in the fourth quarter but returned before the game ended and is listed as probable. This game is a good opportunity for Boston to reestablish why many think they can win the series.
Last games records
Miami beat Boston 109-103 in Game 3 Saturday in Boston. The Heat lead the series 2-1.
Matchup information
Heat at Celtics Betting Analysis
Miami Betting Analysis
Betting stats NBA showed the Heat were more than willing to get their hands dirty in Game 3 on the road. Miami went to the rim continually, holding a 48-34 edge in points in the paint. While the Heat got outrebounded, they were efficient in scoring around some of Boston’s biggest defenders.
Miami center Bam Adebayo helped fill the void when Butler was only available to play for 20 minutes following his injury. Adebayo scored a team-high 31 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and also handed out six assists. Miami had four players score in double figures.
The Heat won Game 3 despite shooting 16 fewer free throws. Miami also shot 46.7 percent (43-of-92) from the field. Miami took 22 more field goal attempts than Boston.
Boston Betting Analysis
Once Marcus Smart and Al Horford returned in Game 2 and Boston stole a game on the road, people thought the Celtics may be ready to run Miami out of this series. However, the Celtics wilted in Game 3, despite doing many right things. Boston got to the free-throw line 30 times, but only made 76.7 percent of its attempts.
More alarmingly, the Celtics didn’t value the basketball. Boston turned the ball over 23 times. Those turnovers provided Miami with extra opportunities on offense the Heat were able to take advantage of.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 40 points and finished a rebound short of a double-double. Horford also finished with a double-double, putting up 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Tatum had his worst playoff game, being limited to 10 points.
Updates
Butler is limited with right knee inflammation and is listed on the injury report as questionable. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said that the Heat has known Butler wasn’t feeling well since before Game 3. Tatum is listed as probable with right cervical nerve impingement.
- Boston is 60-36 against the spread.
- Miami is 63-33 against the spread.
- The over is 48-47-1 in the Celtics’ games this season.
- The over is 53-42-1 in the Heat’s games this season.
- Boston is 21-25-2 against the spread at home.
- Miami is 28-18-1 on the spread on the road.
Heat at Celtics Betting Preview
NBA betting odds have Boston as 6.5-point favorites. The Celtics are -275 on the moneyline, while the Heat are +220. The over/under is set at 207.5 points.
Heat at Celtics Betting Prediction
Making NBA picks on this type of game is difficult. While Boston should be favored as the home team, how the injury reports turn out will make a large difference in where the spread settles. If Butler doesn’t play, it will be difficult for the rest of Miami’s team to pick up another road victory. Seeing Boston be so careless with the ball likely won’t extend to another game.
But the injury issue cuts both ways. If Tatum is limited in his effectiveness, that will have a devastating impact on the Celtics’ offense. While Brown scored effectively in Game 4, without the threat of Tatum, that would limit his opportunities.
If Herro and Butler play, it may be worth taking a look at Heat +6.5 But if Butler can’t go, Boston should be able to exploit matchups on offense. The Celtics are also eager to try and avoid going back to Miami 3-1. Bet Boston to win this one, but keep a close eye on the injury report in case a few of the key players can’t go.
How to bet Heat at Celtics
Bet the Celtics -6.5.
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