Game 2: Boston Celtics, Miami Heat Betting Preview

The Miami continued their home dominance in the playoffs during game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, winning 118-107 against the Boston Celtics thanks to a 39-14 third quarter and a man by the name of Jimmy Butler.

The Heat have yet to lose at home during the playoffs and have won 10 straight games in Miami. The Boston Celtics will look to change that trend by taking game two tonight in South Beach.

Boston Celtics Key Injuries 

Marcus Smart missed game one with a foot sprain and is currently listed as probable for game two. Al Horford was out as well after being placed in Health and Safety Protocols. Horford will play tonight after clearing protocols and should be a huge boost for the Celtics thanks to his defense and 13 points, 9.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs. As for Smart, he’s still listed as probable.

Miami Heat Key Injuries

PJ Tucker suffered an ankle injury in Game 1, is not on today’s injury report. Kyle Lowry will miss tonight’s game with his hamstring injury. Max Strus and Gabe Vincent are questionable with strains, but expected to play.

Betting Notes

Seven out of the last eight games between the Heat and Celtics have hit the over.

Celtics haven’t covered the spread as an underdog over the last four ECF appearances.

Miami Heat haven’t lost at home during the 2022 Playoffs.

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Celtics-Heat Odds via BetMGM

TEAM	SPREAD	MONEY LINE	TOTAL
Boston Celtics	+1.5 (-110)	+100	O 206.5 (-110)
Miami Heat	-1.5 (-110)	-120	U 206.5 (-110)

Risky but Valuable Player Props

Gabe Vincent 15+ Points (+480): Vincent dropped 17 points and hit three 3-pointers in game one. With Lowry still out for the Heat and the +480 value, it’s worth the play.

Jaylen Brown 8+ Rebounds (+200): Over his last 24 playoff games, Brown is averaging 7.5 RPG. His regular line is currently at O/U 6.5 REB but let’s take a flyer at 8+ rebounds +200.

Jimmy Butler 30+ Points (+200): Playoff Jimmy will continue to roll tonight at home. After dropping 41 points in game one, 30 points seems easy at home in game two.

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Prediction

I’m sticking with Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. Marcus Smart still up in the air, it will be tough for Boston to steal one on the road. After a tough seven game series with the Bucks, I don’t think the Celtics will get back in this series until it heads back to Boston. 

Picks: Heat -1.5 and Over 206.5 (-110)

Mandatory Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images