It was much tougher than many gamblers expected, but the Boston Celtics escaped with a second-round win over the Philadelphia 76ers. As a result, the NBA betting community has stampeded the betting window. Boston is a massive public wagering favorite against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Of course, the Celtics are the defending Eastern Conference champions. In like manner to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference, the Miami Heat has found an extra gear for the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Miami brings playoff grit and physicality that is difficult to overcome.
2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 8:30 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | +7½ (-110) | 210 (-110) | +265 |  |
| Celtics | -7½ (-110) | 210 (-110) | -330 | |
| ||||
Heat vs. Celtics SBG Odds Overview
In a similar way to the Lakers, the Celtics are a powerful offshore betting brand. Boston attracts casual sector action that often alters its board value and price. Thus, Miami will get a more favorable number than it should. In turn, gamblers must assess if the Heat can take advantage of that enhanced price.
Heat vs. Celtics Series Schedule
- Game 1: Heat at Celtics | Wednesday
- Game 2: Heat at Celtics | Friday
- Game 3: Celtics at Heat | Sunday
- Game 4: Celtics at Heat | Tue., May 23
- Game 5*: Heat at Celtics | Thu., May 25
- Game 6*: Celtics at Heat | Sat., May 27
- Game 7*: Heat at Celtics | Mon., May 29
* if necessary | All games 8:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
Miami Heat Team Overview
The Miami Heat finished 44-38 straight up, 31-49-2 against the spread, and 41-41 over/under the NBA betting total. Late on, Miami has covered seven out of their last nine games. In comparison, the Heat has gone over the total in three of its previous five matchups.
Miami has NBA metrics of 30th for scoring offense, 28th for field goal percentage, 27th for 3-point field goal percentage, 2nd for free throw percentage, and 27th for offensive rebounding. In comparison, on defense, the Heat have NBA metrics of 2nd for scoring defense, 22nd for field goal percentage permitted, 22nd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 6th for defensive rebounding.
First among Miami scorers is Jimmy Butler, with 31.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Bam Adebayo adds 18.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
Boston Celtics Team Overview
The Boston Celtics finished 57-25 straight up, 45-36-1 against the spread, and 43-38 over/under the total. Late on, Boston has covered four out of their last six games. Boston has gone over the total in three of their previous five games.
Boston has NBA metrics of 4th for scoring offense, 14th for field goal percentage, 6th for 3-point field goal percentage, 4th for free throw percentage, and 7th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Celtics have NBA metrics of 5th for scoring defense, 5th for field goal percentage permitted, 4th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 18th for defensive rebounding.
First among Boston scorers is Jayson Tatum, with 28.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 10.6 rebounds per contest per game. Also, Jaylen Brown brings 24.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Heat vs. Celtics SBG Free Pick
It is true that Boston carries a premium price against the Heat. Miami has enough to pull off the upset at a great price.
Heat vs. Celtics SBG Best Bet: Miami Heat.