Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics: Odds, Expert Picks, and Predictions
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are set to clash in an exciting NBA matchup on Friday at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET. Both teams are looking to improve their records in this competitive Eastern Conference showdown.
Recent Performance and Team Records
The Miami Heat currently hold a record of 15 wins and 12 losses, while the Boston Celtics have 15 wins and 11 losses this season. In their last outing, the Heat snapped a five-game losing streak by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 106-95. However, they failed to cover the spread as 11.5-point favorites, and the game went under the total points of 236.
Leading the Heat, guard Norman Powell scored 24 points against the Nets. Despite this victory, the Heat have struggled recently, going just 2-8 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games.
The Celtics, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back following a loss to the Detroit Pistons, where they fell 112-105 and did not cover as a one-point favorite. Forward Jaylen Brown had an impressive performance, scoring 34 points on 13-for-25 shooting. Boston has won five of its last seven games but is currently on a two-game losing streak.
Betting Odds and Predictions
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the current betting odds for the game are as follows:
- Moneyline: Heat +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Celtics -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Heat +6.5 (-110) | Celtics -6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 231.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Key Injuries
In terms of injuries, both teams are dealing with key absences:
- Heat:
- Tyler Herro (toe) – out
- Nikola Jovic (elbow) – out
- Pelle Larsson (ankle) – out
- Celtics:
- Sam Hauser (ankle) – probable
- Jayson Tatum (Achilles) – out
Expert Predictions
Experts predict a close contest, forecasting a Celtics victory with a score of 121 to 113. The Celtics, despite their recent losses, are favored to win this matchup, especially considering they have been more rested, having not played since Monday.
They have won four of their last five home games, making them a tough opponent in their own arena. The betting suggestion is to take the Celtics at -6.5 (-110) due to their strong home performance.
Additionally, this game presents an opportunity to bet on the over for 231.5 (-110), as both teams exhibit contrasting playing styles, which could lead to a higher-scoring affair.
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