Miami will start a six-game road trip without Kyle Lowry and may be without Jimmy Butler as well. Butler, who contributes 22.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, is listed as day-to-day with a toe injury, and his absence will make a difference when betting against the spread.
The Celtics, who are 26-25 on the season, are in good shape health-wise and are hoping to score a big win to help their ascent up the standings.
Heat at Celtics Stats
Looking at the Miami stats
The Heat have become the league’s best 3-point shooting group, knocking down 37.7 percent of its attempts. Duncan Robinson (3.1), Tyler Herro (2.6), and Max Strus (2.6) all average more than two 3-points made per contest.
The Heat are mostly a jump-shooting team and only get to the free-throw line an average of 20.4 times per game, which ranks 23rd in the league.
Miami lost its previous meeting with the Celtics this season. The Heat are 7-3 over its last ten games and are averaging 111.7 points per game.
Herro averages 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists for the Heat. Miami blocks 4.3 shots per contest.
Looking at the Boston stats
The Celtics’ offense, which is 19th in the league by scoring 107.7 points per game, goes as star forward Jayson Tatum goes. Tatum leads Boston in scoring by contributing 26.2 points per game.
Robert Williams leads the Celtics by pulling down 9.6 rebounds per game and blocking 2.1 shots per game. Marcus Smart leads the Celtics by hanging out 5.4 assists.
While offense has been an issue for Boston, the Celtics have been a good defensive unit. Boston’s scoring defense ranks sixth in the league, limiting opponents to 104.8 points per game. The Celtics are also the second-best in terms of field goal percentage, limiting their opponents to 43.7 percent shooting from the field.
Betting Trends for Heat at Celtics
- Miami is 31-19 against the spread.
- Boston is 25-25-1 against the spread.
- The over is 31-19 in the Heat’s games.
- The over is 21-29-1 in the Celtics’ games.
- Miami is 13-4 against the spread this season following a loss.
Who to Bet Heat at Celtics
Sports betting information has Boston as a 3-point favorite over Miami. The moneyline has the Celtics as a -148 favorite, while the Heat is at +120.
Boston owns a 17-point win over the Heat from earlier this season and are the more desperate team. With Miami just starting a long road trip, the Heat may be cautious and choose to rest Butler.
If Butler is out of the lineup, Boston should cover easily. Even if Butler plays, the Celtics will find a way to win their second straight over a Miami team which is banged up and missing several key pieces.
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