Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 24/01/2023, 07:40  by Joseph King | Modified on 24/01/2023 at 07:41 in NBA Predictions

A rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals in the NBA sees the Boston Celtics take on the Miami Heat at the FTX Arena in South Beach. The Celtics are looking to bounce back after a surprise 113-98 loss to the Orlando Magic snapped a nine game winning streak. They’ll now have to deal with a back-to-back in a Florida double-header with a meeting with last season’s top-seeded Eastern Conference team. The Celtics have clearly been the cream of the crop so far in the East and sit atop the standings with 35 wins and 13 losses, giving them a four game lead over second-place Philadelphia. They have also been incredibly consistent regardless of where they are playing. The Celtics have won 18 of their 23 home games as well as 17 wins from 25 away trips. 

Standing in their way is the Miami Heat who took the Celtics to seven games in the Eastern Conference finals last season. The Heat had a tough start to the season and will not be able to match their 51 win mark from last season barring what would have to be a historic run of form. They currently sit sixth in the East with 26 wins and 22 losses so far. Miami has been battling back and slowly climbing the rankings but have still suffered from inconsistency. The Heat are coming off a 100-96 win over the Pelicans in their last outing meaning they have now won six of their last 10 games. Their last game took place on Sunday and the Heat will have a full day's rest advantage for this matchup.

Boston are dealing with a few key injuries including the current defensive player of the year Marcus Smart as well as Robert Williams III who is key to the Celtic’s defensive gameplan. They are also missing Malcom Brogdan for this matchup who has been a key player off the bench, chipping in 14.3 points per game on 48% shooting. The Heat are the healthier team between the two with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry and Tyler Herro all back in the lineup and available.