Heat vs Celtics Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions
Eastern Conference powerhouses battle on Monday as the Boston Celtics look to take a 2-0 season series lead over the Miami Heat.
It was one-way traffic for the Celtics when they last met, which has had an effect on NBA betting markets.
The Celtics are -4½ favorites to take the NBA Monday contest.
- Game: Miami Heat (32-18) at Boston Celtics (26-25)
- Location: TD Garden, Boston
- Day/Time: Monday, 7:40 p.m. ET
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
Injuries Plague Heat
There is nothing wrong with the 32-18 record of the Miami Heat, but it could get harder.
They have numerous injury problems with the likes of Kyle Lowry, Markieff Morris and Jimmy Butler, but it was the triple-overtime loss to Toronto that worries us.
The 124-120 loss could have a residual effect on the legs of the Heat players when they face the Celtics, who are fresh off an easy win over New Orleans. However, the Heat have been a good bet.
They are 29-21 against the spread despite two recent losses, so bettors have cashed in with the sportsbook. They’re getting points on the road, where they are 14-12, but it’s the first meeting against Boston that worries us.
Miami was destroyed 95-78 at home by Boston on Nov. 4 despite leading 24-18 after the first quarter. The Heat scored only nine points in the second quarter, which is unlike an offense that ranks in the top 15 in all major statistical categories.
Duncan Robinson said Miami can learn from the loss.
“Any time you get punched in the mouth like that, you’ve got to learn from it,” Robinson told ESPN.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra praised Boston’s defense, which ranks second in the NBA for field goal percentage.
“Defensively, you do have to give Boston credit,” Spoelstra said. “That’s probably as poorly as we’ve played offensively all season, including preseason and training camp. But those nights are going to happen. Sometimes it’s going to be ugly offensively.”
Celtics Relying on Defense
The Boston Celtics have always been a tough defensive outfit, but the current group got away from that. However, they’re back to their best now.
They rank sixth in points allowed and second in field goal percentage, which makes up for their relatively poor offense. Despite having Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have struggled to put points on the board.
In their two most recent losses to Portland and Atlanta, they scored just 105 and 92 points, respectively. Those inconsistent performances aren’t going to get it done, especially against well-built teams like Miami.
We liked what we saw from Boston against New Orleans when winning 107-97. Limited teams to under 100 points is a recipe for success, which was also showcased with a 116-87 win over Washington and 128-75 win over Charlotte.
Betting online markets have taken the defense into account when releasing the NBA odds. We expected the Celtics to open as favorites and the -4½ line is favorable for the home side.
Series Win for Celtics
The Boston Celtics are in a great position to take the three-game regular season series against the Miami Heat.
They won’t get a better chance to score a win over the Heat, who are on the road after a tough triple-overtime loss.
The weekend snowstorm might stop some fans from getting to the arena, but the Celtics should deliver the goods and give the home fans something to cheer.
