Miami is showing potentially good NBA bets value heading into its series with the Celtics. Boston opened as a solid betting favorite to win the Eastern Conference Finals against the Heat. Wise Guys are questioning whether the Boston price is too high. In turn, they see the Heat as a potentially strong wagering value. Boston is coming off the high of eliminating the defending NBA champion, the Bucks. To show, the Celtics blew out Milwaukee in an impressive game seven triumphs. In a similar way, Miami took care of the Philadelphia 76ers in six games.
2022 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 8:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | FTX Arena, Miami, Florida |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | +1½ (-110) | 204 (-110) | +103 |  |
| Heat | -1½ (-110) | 204 (-110) | -123 | |
| ||||
SBG Odds Analysis – Celtics Getting Public Love
Miami looks like a team that could offer enhanced offshore betting value. Consider that the Heat is underdogs in this series with a higher seed than Boston. Miami won the 2020 Eastern Conference championship. And the Heat have the same assets that led them to the accomplishment on their current team. So far in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, Miami has gotten the cash in seven out of 11 games. Casual gamblers perpetually underestimate the Heat. And Miami rewards those who grab that extra betting value.
By contrast, the Celtics rate with the Lakers as the most popular team on the NBA board. And that is not an accident. The Lakers and Celtics are tied for the most NBA championships in history. Boston has a massive and generational fan base that dates back to the 1960s. And that is reflected in the price on the board. Consider that as the lower seed, the Celtics are favored over Miami.
The Butler Delivers for Miami
First among Miami scorers is Jimmy Butler, with 28.7 points per playoff game. Butler is averaging 7.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per postseason game as well. In the regular season, Butler averaged 21.4 points per contest. Of course, Butler is a 6-time NBA All-Star. He was a 1st round pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Marquette by the Chicago Bulls. Butler averaged 22 points per game when Miami made the 2022 NBA Finals.
Tatum Blossoms into Superstar for Boston
So far in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, Jayson Tatum is averaging 28.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per contest in the regular season. Tatum was the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Duke by the Celtics. Accordingly, Tatum was an NBA All-Star for the third consecutive season in 2022.
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat Free SBG Picks
On this occasion, the Celtics could be in a letdown spot for NBA Bets. Boston played a perfect game seven and utterly dominated the Bucks. Now the Celtics have to quickly regroup with a trip to Miami. By contrast, the Heat are well-rested and have their win over the 76ers out of their system. Miami has gotten the cash in eight of its last 13 games against the Celtics.
Celtics at Heat SBG Best Bet: Miami Heat.