Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 20/04/2024, 05:09  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Boston Celtics will play host to the Miami Heat at TD Garden in the NBA Playoffs – First Round East on Sunday. The hosts enter the playoffs as the number one seed while the visitors are the eighth seed. 

Boston Celtics currently hold the best record in the NBA and are determined to avenge last season's Eastern Conference Finals loss to Miami, which ended in a 4-3 series defeat. Following an exceptional regular season, the Celtics emerge as the clear frontrunners to secure a spot in the NBA Finals from the Eastern Conference. Ending the regular season on a high note, Boston won seven of their last ten games, concluding with a 132-122 victory over the Wizards. Payton Pritchard showcased his prowess with an impressive stat line of 38 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds, while Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk contributed 26 points and five assists. With key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown rested, the Celtics are expected to field their full-strength lineup. Throughout the season, Boston has excelled on both offense and defense, ranking second in scoring offense with an average of 120.6 points per game and fifth in scoring defense, allowing 109.2 points per game. However, uncertainties loom over the availability of Jrue Holiday and Al Horford for this matchup.

The Miami Heat are no strangers to the No. 8 seed, having occupied the same position last season. They made waves by becoming just the sixth No. 8 seed in NBA history to upset the No. 1 seed in the first round, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in five games. Ending the regular season on a strong note, Miami won seven of their last ten games, capped by a convincing 112-91 victory over the Bulls in their final outing. Tyler Herro led the charge with an impressive performance, tallying 24 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists, while Jaime Jaquez Jr contributed 21 points, six assists, and six rebounds. Offensively, the Heat average 110.1 points per game, which is 0.9 points more than what Boston typically allows. However, their defensive prowess shines through, as they rank second in the NBA, conceding just 108.1 points per game. Jimmy Butler serves as the heart and soul of the Heat, acting as their best player, leader, and clutch performer. Unfortunately, Butler is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to a right MCL injury.