Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 20/05/2022, 13:03  by Joseph King | Modified on 20/05/2022 at 20:03 in Basketball Predictions

The Celtics vs Heat NBA Eastern Conference Finals matchup heads back to Boston for game three with the Celtics looking to take a 2-1 series advantage. Boston was able to steal home court advantage after a 127-108 blowout win in game two tied the series up at 1-1. Miami couldn’t deal with Boston's talented array of scorers as the trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart combined for a total of 75 points. Boston sorely missed the presence of the current defensive player of the year Marcus Smart who, along with Al Horford, was forced to miss the game one loss. The 28-year-old Smart responded in a big way and had his fingerprints all over game two, finishing with 24 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds while also chipping in three steals and a block on the defensive end. The Celtics now come into game three as pretty sizable favorites in an arena where they finished the regular season with a 28-13 record.

Miami, who were the NBA’s third best defensive three point percentage team during the regular season, couldn’t contain the onslaught from deep by the Boston Celtics and were outshot 20-10 from behind the arc in game two. The Celtics might not be able to sustain their 50% three point shooting in game three, but the return of Marcus Smart and Al Horford is significant enough to give them the clear edge here in Boston. Miami were disappointing in the game two loss and will need a much improved performance form their role players if they are to regain home court advantage. Aside from star Jimmy Butler, who finished with 29 points, no other Heat player managed to break 15 points. These are both arguably the two best defenses in the NBA but it’s the Celtics who possess the more complete offensive team.