Heavyweights collide when the Miami Heat hosts the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night. Boston is fresh off a dominant 102-82 victory in Game 4. Miami’s starters struggled mightily in that contest, combining for just 18 total points. Both teams will come out hungry in a pivotal Game 5 matchup. Tyler Herro (groin) is out for the Heat, while Marcus Smart (ankle) is available for the Celtics on the latest NBA injury report.
Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. ET at TD Arena. Boston is favored by two points in the latest Celtics vs. Heat odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the Over-Under is 204. Before locking in any Celtics vs. Heat picks, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters the second week of the conference finals of the 2022 NBA playoffs on a stunning 87-59 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning over $2,100. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Heat vs. Celtics and just revealed its coveted picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see all of the model’s NBA picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Heat vs. Celtics:
- Celtics vs. Heat spread: Boston -2
- Celtics vs. Heat over-under: 204 points
- Celtics vs. Heat money line: Miami +110, Boston -130
- Celtics vs. Heat tickets: See tickets at StubHub
- MIA: Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight-up loss
- BOS: Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road favorite
Featured Game | Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
Why the Celtics can cover
Guard Jaylen Brown is an exceptional athlete with amazing physical tools. Brown is extremely explosive with superb leaping ability. The California product constantly attacks the basket but also owns a reliable jumper. Brown is averaging 22.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. He put up 24-plus points in three of the four series games played thus far.
Guard Payton Pritchard has been a constant offensive spark off the bench. Pritchard is a fearless competitor who has a smooth jumper. The Oregon product can space the floor and sees the court well as a passer. The 2020 first-round pick has played solid in this series, scoring in double figures in three of four games played. In his last outing, Pritchard had 14 points, three assists, and went 3-for-6 from deep.
Why the Heat can cover
Forward Jimmy Butler is a two-way threat in the frontcourt. Butler plays outstanding defense and has a knack for coming away with steals. The six-time All-Star has a great all-around offensive game. Butler leads the team in scoring (26.5) and steals (2) to go along with 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists. The Marquette product hasn’t played his best ball these past two games but has the talent to quickly turn it around.
Center Bam Adebayo is a power player who brings great force down low. Adebayo has good hands with a soft touch around the rim. The Kentucky product is a great leaper and sound defender on the block. The 2020 All-Star logs 14.5 points and a team-high 7.6 rebounds per game.
How to make Celtics vs. Heat picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 209 points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only see the model’s NBA playoff picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Celtics vs. Heat? And which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
