Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Preview
At 2:00 ET, the Miami Heat will host the Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Celtics (-228) are favored by 5.5 points over the Heat (+187), and the over/under line is set at 225.5.
Boston (40-12) is currently on a three-game winning streak and is 1st in the Eastern Conference. Miami (28-24) is 8th in the East and has won two straight games.
Check out BetCoco for Miami Heat – Boston Celtics odds
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Head-to-Head and Key Stats
The Celtics and Heat did not have any head-to-head matchups last season. But over the last three times playing each other, the Celtics have a record of 2-1. However, against the spread the Heat went 2-1. The over/under record in these matchups was 2-1 on an average of 223 points per game.
- When looking at their past three road matchups, Boston has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 126 per game. The team went 3-0 overall in these games.
- Through their last three home games, Miami has an ATS record of just 0-2-1. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 102 points per game.
- In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Heat have a straight up record of 0-5 and an ATS mark of 0-5.
- In their last three contests as the favorite, Boston has a poor record vs the spread going 1-2. But, they still put together a straight up mark of 3-0.
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Prediction
Today, the Celtics are favored by 5.5 points on the road against the Heat. This season, Boston has been favored in 49 of their 52 games and has a record of 38-11 in those games.
Against the spread, the Celtics are 23-27 for the season and have failed to cover in their last two games. On the road, their ATS record is 10-13, and they have an average scoring differential of +6.2 points per game.
In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics are in 1st place with a record of 40-12. They have won three straight games and are 27-6 against other teams in the East. On the road, they are 15-9 compared to 25-3 at home.
In their last game against the Wizards, the Celtics won 133-129 as 19-point favorites. The O/U line for that game was 236.5, and the teams combined for 262 points.
This season, the Celtics have an over/under record of 26-26, and their games have averaged 231.8 points per game. Today’s O/U line is set at 225.5.
So far this season, the Celtics have been one of the NBA’s most potent offenses, ranking 4th in scoring at 120.6 points per game. On the road, they are averaging 119 points per game.
Boston has been a three-point shooting team all season, leading the NBA in three-point attempts and makes. They are hitting 37% of their three-point attempts, which is 5th in the league.
When it comes to getting to the free-throw line, the Celtics are 20th in attempts and 16th in makes. In terms of pace, they are 14th in the NBA.
On defense, the Celtics come into the game ranked 7th in the league in points allowed at 111.1 per game. Over their last three games, the team is allowing 112.3 points per contest (30th). The Boston defense has allowed opponents to shoot 34.8% from beyond the arc this season. Opposing teams are also hitting 45.0% of their field goal attempts vs. Boston.
Miami has won two straight games at home and is 15-12 at home this season. Currently, they are 8th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 28-24.
In their last game, the Heat defeated the Spurs by a score of 116-104. The O/U line for that game was 227 points.
On the season, the Heat have an O/U record of 21-31 and their games have averaged 221.2 points per game. Today’s O/U line is set at 225.5.
Miami has covered the spread in two straight games and is 22-27 ATS for the season. As the underdog, they are 8-12 vs. the spread and 6-14 straight-up.
In the Eastern Conference, the Heat are 20-15 against other teams and 11-2 against division opponents. At home, they are 11-16 ATS and have an average scoring margin of +0.2 points per game.
This season, the Heat are 27th in the league in scoring at 110.5 points per game. However, their scoring average is slightly higher at home, where they are 23rd in the NBA at 113.3 points per game. Overall, they have outscored the league scoring average in just 34.6% of their games.
When it comes to pace, Miami is 28th in the league at 96.3 possessions per game. In terms of field goal percentage, they are 25th in the NBA at 46%. From beyond the arc, the Heat are 11th in three-point shooting at 37%.
So far this season, Miami is 8th in the NBA in free throw makes per game at 19. In terms of assists, the Heat are 21st in the league with an average of 25.9 per game.
So far this season, the Heat defense has been performing well, ranking 5th in the NBA at 110.8 points allowed per contest. The Miami defense has allowed opponents to shoot 36.8% from beyond the arc this season. Opposing teams are also hitting 47.5% of their field goal attempts vs. Miami.
In spite of being 5.5 point underdogs, we anticipate the Heat winning this one 146-132.
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Betting Tips
- We like the Heat on the moneyline (+187)
- The Heat are also our pick on the spread at +5.5
- Projecting a combined 278 points, we like the over
Miami Heat Injury Report
- Jimmy Butler – Personal – Questionable
- Dru Smith – Knee – Out
Boston Celtics Injury Report
- Xavier Tillman Sr. – Left Knee – Out
- Jaden Springer – Ankle – Out
