The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics meet Friday in NBA action at the TD Garden. Here’s a Celtics vs Heat Prediction. This article will include a Celtics vs Heat Pick.
Miami Heat Betting Preview
The Miami Heat beat the Bulls, lost to the Hawks, and they play the Wizards next. The Heat have won 7 of their last 13 games.
The Miami Heat are averaging 119.9 points on 46.4 percent shooting and allowing 118 points on 46 percent shooting. Norman Powell is averaging 23 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Tyler Herro is averaging 21.9 points and 2.7 assists. Bam Adebayo is the third double-digit scorer, and Andrew Wiggins is grabbing 4.9 rebounds. The Miami Heat are shooting 36.1 percent from beyond the arc and 79.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Miami Heat are allowing 35 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 46.6 rebounds per game.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics beat the Mavericks and Rockets, and they play the Knicks next. The Celtics have won 25 of their last 35 games.
The Boston Celtics are averaging 115.9 points on 46.9 percent shooting and allowing 108.6 points on 44.3 percent shooting. Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.5 points and 7 rebounds, while Derrick White is averaging 17.3 points and 4.5 rebounds. Payton Pritchard is the third double-digit scorer, and Neemias Queta is grabbing 8.3 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc and 79.1 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 36.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.3 rebounds per game.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Heat have lost nine of their last 10 games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Celtics have won nine of their last 10 home games against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games against the Heat.
- The Heat have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
Why the Miami Heat will win
- The Heat have won each of their last six games following a loss.
- The Celtics have lost two of their last three games as home favorites following a win.
- The Heat have covered the spread in each of their last seven games following a loss.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five home games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Celtics’ last seven games have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Heat’s last seven Friday games at TD Garden have gone OVER the total points line.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Payton Pritchard has recorded 12 games with 3+ assists and zero turnovers this season – equal-most of any player in the league.
- Derrick White is the only qualified player in the league to be leading their team in blocks per game (1.4) and free-throw percentage (89.5%) this season.
Miami Heat Player Facts
- Davion Mitchell has recorded nine games with 5+ assists and zero turnovers this season – most of any player in the league.
- Bam Adebayo ranks 4th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (9.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for opponent steals per game this season (5.9).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for turnovers per game this season (12.0).
- The Heat rank 30th in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (80.7%).
- The Heat rank 1st in the league for field goals made per game this season (43.6).
Celtics vs Heat Injury Report
The Celtics will be without Jayson Tatum and John Tonje.
The Heat will be without Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro.
Celtics vs Heat Prediction
As I’ve said many times this season, I don’t trust the Heat night to night. One game the Heat are an offensive explosion; the next night they struggle to score 90 points. We also have to factor in that the Heat didn’t do anything at the trade deadline, as that can be a real downer for a locker room that was linked to star-caliber players. The Celtics are 8-1 SU and ATS in the last 9 games against the Heat. That includes a five-point win on the road a few weeks ago. I don’t trust the Heat. Give me the Celtics in a comfortable home win.