Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 15/01/2026, 05:02  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 15/01/2026 at 05:05 in NBA Predictions

The Miami Heat will play host to the Boston Celtics at the Kaseya Center in the NBA on Thursday night. The Heat (21-19) are eighth in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Celts (24-15) are third. Let’s get into the match prediction.

The Miami Heat have lost four of their last six games but managed to end their three-game losing streak on Tuesday night by edging the Phoenix Suns 127-121 on the road. 

Despite ranking fourth in defensive rating this season, the Heat’s defence has not been at its best of late, having now conceded 120+ points in each of their last four games.

Miami have won four of their last five home games and are 14-6 at the Kaseya Center this season. However, they have lost eight of their last 10 games against their upcoming opponents. 

Meanwhile, after winning four games in a row either side of the New Year, the Boston Celtics have now lost three of their last four following a shock 98-96 defeat to the Pacers on Monday. 

What became evident in the loss to Indiana was the importance of Jaylen Brown to the C’s this season, as his absence was seriously felt. Payton Pritchard was the only player to score above 20 points for the Celts.

Brown is expected to return to the starting lineup for the visitors in this match. Jayson Tatum and Josh Minnott are ruled out through injury.