Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 25/01/2024, 06:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 25/01/2024 at 11:30 in NBA Prediction

The Boston Celtics visit the Kaseya Center to take on the Miami Heat in the NBA on Thursday night. The hosts are 24-20 and sixth in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are 34-10 and lead the Conference standings. 

The Boston Celtics are in impressive form, securing victories in five of their last six games. They are seeking a third consecutive win after a 119-110 road triumph over the Mavericks on Monday. Jayson Tatum led the charge with a standout performance, contributing 39 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Jaylen Brown added 34 points. Offensively, the Celtics have been outstanding this season, ranking as the NBA's fourth-highest-scoring team with an average of 120.3 points per game. Their offensive efficiency tends to be higher at home, where they score 122.9 points per game compared to their road games at 117.9 points per game. Defensively, the Celtics have also been above average, allowing 110.6 points per game, which ranks them fifth best in the league. The only injury concern for Boston in this matchup is Kristaps Porzingis. 

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat find themselves in a slump, currently on a four-game losing streak after a 105-96 loss to the Grizzlies last night. Tyler Herro led the team with 18 points, while Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Caleb Martin each contributed 15 points. Offensively, Miami ranks 27th in the NBA, averaging 110.5 points per game, while their upcoming opponents boast the fifth-best defense in the league, allowing only 110.6 points per game. Despite offensive struggles, their major strength lies in defense, where they allow just 110.5 points per game, ranking fourth best in the league. Heading into the upcoming match, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Dru Smith, and Terry Rozier are expected to miss out for Miami.