Celtics vs. Heat Game 2 Odds & Predictions

Boston Celtics (59-35 SU, 51-40-3 ATS) vs. Miami Heat (62-32 SU, 54-39-1 ATS)

When: Thursday May 19 2022, 08:30 PM (ET)

Where: FTX Arena, Miami, Florida

TV: ESPN

Point Spread: BOS +3.5/MIA -3.5 (Opened MIA -5 at BetNow – Bet tonight’s game for free by scoring a 100% bonus up to FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS when you use bonus code PREDICTEM)

Total: 207.5 (Opened at 205.5)

Money Line: Boston Celtics 141/Miami Heat -171

Power Rating: MIA -5

Probable Starting Lineups

Boston Celtics PG Marcus Smart P, SG Jaylen Brown, SF Jayson Tatum, PF Grant Williams, C Robert Williams

Miami Heat PG Gabe Vincent Q, SG Max Strus Q, SF Jimmy Butler, PF P.J. Tucker, C Bam Adebayo

Key Injuries

Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart: Foot (PROBABLE)
Robert Williams III: Leg (PROBABLE)
Sam Hauser: Shoulder (QUESTIONABLE)
Al Horford: Illness (OUT)

Miami Heat
Max Strus: Hamstring (QUESTIONABLE)
Gabe Vincent: Hamstring (QUESTIONABLE)
Kyle Lowry: Hamstring (OUT)

The Miami Heat host the Boston Celtics in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:30 PM ET at the FTX Arena.

Recent Form

The Boston Celtics come into this game with an overall record of 51-31, placing them 4th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Boston is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 27-20. Over their last five games, the Celtics have played well, picking up 3 wins. In this stretch, Boston’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 109.0 points per game. Combined, the Celtics’ last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. The Celtics have been picking up wins, while holding opponents to an average of 102.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 104.3. In the Boston Celtics’ most recent game, the team fell to Miami by a score of 118-107.

The Miami Heat come into this game with an overall record of 53-29, placing them 1st in the Eastern Conference. So far, Miami is above .500 at home, holding a record of 36-12. The Heat have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. In this stretch, Miami’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 105.0 points per game. Combined, the Heat’s last five opponents are giving up 106.0 points per contest. The Heat come into this game also playing well defensively, holding their opponents to just 99.0 points per game. An improvement on their season average of 104.6. In the Miami Heat’s most recent game, Miami took down Boston by a score of 118-107.

Individual Player Analysis

As Boston travels to take on the Miami Heat, the Celtics’ leading scorer is Jayson Tatum. Through 76 games, Tatum is averaging 26 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 47.0% of his games. Against the Heat, Tatum will need to be on top of his game as Miami is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 30.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Jimmy Butler leads the Heat in scoring, averaging 21 points across his 58 games. Throughout the season, Butler has outscored his season average in 50.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Butler will need to do so against a Celtics defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 47.62%. This figure is good for a rank of 10th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Boston Celtics are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 34 of Boston’s 41 games, leading to a winning percentage of 59%. So far, the Miami Heat have played 41 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 41 times, by an average margin of -15.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat have met up for 4 games. In their last meeting, Miami picked up a 118-107 win.

How the Public is Betting the Celtics vs Heat

67% are betting the Heat against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 207.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Boston is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
• Boston is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games on the road
• Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
• Miami is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games at home

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into game 2, the Miami Heat are 5 point favorites. Even though the Celtics will still be without Al Horford, they will be looking forward to the return of Marcus Smart. The defensive player of the year, should provide some much-needed physicality against Jimmy Butler, who finished game 1 with 41 points. However, even with Smart’s return, I see game 2 coming down to if Boston can turn things around from 3-point range. In the opening game, the Celtics hit just 32% of their looks from outside. For game 2, I recommend sticking with the Heat to pick up the win and cover the spread. Like Boston, the Miami Heat struggled from outside in game 1. If they see an uptick in shooting, they could once again win this game by double digits. Bet YOUR Boston Celtics/Miami Heat pick for FREE by taking advantage of a 100% real cash bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $300 at MyBookie Sportsbook when you use bonus code PREDICT100.