Celtics vs. Heat Series Odds and Prediction for Eastern Conference Finals

The Boston Celtics have taken down both the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals and now the No. 1 seed is in their way. 

The Miami Heat knocked off James Harden, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers to make the Eastern Conference Finals. These two teams are playing a rematch of the 2020 ECF, where Miami came out on top and advanced to the NBA Finals. 

The Celtics have the league’s No. 1 defense, but both of these teams have been dominant on that side of the ball all season long. This series is likely going to be a slugfest, but who has the edge in the odds?

Here are the series and exact outcomes prices at WynnBET: 

Celtics vs. Heat Series Odds and Exact Outcome Odds

Series Odds

• Celtics: -200
• Heat: +165

Exact Outcome Odds

• Celtics in 6: +275
• Heat in 7: +450
• Celtics in 7: +500
• Celtics in 5: +550
• Heat in 5: +750
• Heat in 6: +800
• Celtics in 4: +850
• Heat in 4: +1500

Celtics vs. Heat Series Prediction and Pick

We’re looking at two really impressive defenses, but I have to give the Celtics the edge in this series. 

Miami, while extremely deep, does not have a No. 2 option behind Jimmy Butler that is as good as Jaylen Brown, and that concerns me against a Boston defense that has taken stars out of games all postseason. 

Granted, the Celtics didn't have an answer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but I don’t know how Miami’s role players fare against Boston’s switchability on defense. Victor Oladipo and Tyler Herro are going to have to be more efficient in this series, and it’s worth noting that the Celtics will seek out Herro on defense just about every time he’s on the floor. 

Maybe I’m underestimating “Heat Culture,” but the Celtics are comfortably the better and more complete team, especially if Robert Williams is able to play. 

Lean(s): Celtics to Win Series (-200) | Celtics in 5 (+550)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.