Heat vs. Celtics Prediction and Odds for Game 4 (Boston Primed to Bounce Back)
By Peter Dewey
The Miami Heat shocked everyone and stole Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Boston against the Celtics on Saturday night.
Now, Miami is looking to break the Celtics’ unbeaten streak following a loss in the postseason.
The Celtics are 4-0 during this playoff run after a loss.
— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) May 20, 2022
Jayson Tatum in those 4 games after a loss:
27 PTS, 5 AST, 62/67%
46 PTS, 9 REB, 53/47%
30 PTS, 13 REB, 46/30%
29 PTS, 8 AST, 50/50%#Celtics #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/3BY28697Hk
Jimmy Butler left Game 3 with a knee injury, but he reportedly isn’t dealing with a serious ailment. Still, it’s something worth monitoring before wagering on this game.
Jimmy Butler’s knee injury isn’t being considered serious and there’s a strong possibility it doesn’t cause him to miss a game, league sources tell @YahooSports, @NBAonTNT.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 22, 2022
The Celtics were also banged up in Game 3, with Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum both briefly leaving the game in the second half.
How do oddsmakers see Game 4 going? Here are the odds via WynnBET:
Heat vs. Celtics Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Heat +6.5 (-108)
- Celtics -6.5 (-108)
Moneyline:
- Heat: +225
- Celtics: -280
Total:
- 208.5 (Over -108/Under -108)
Heat vs. Celtics Prediction and Pick
I was on the wrong side of Game 3 since I bet Celtics -6, but I’m going back to the well on Monday night.
Boston has been terrific after a loss for quite some time now, and with Game 4 being at home I can’t see the Celtics blowing both matchups.
The Celtics are 10-1 in games after a loss since Jan. 21
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) May 18, 2022
Turnovers really killed Boston in Game 3, so the team is going to need to clean things up, which may be easier if Butler isn’t his usual self on the defensive end.
If you want to bet on Boston, I’d be comfortable laying the 6.5, but Heat bettors may want to wait for Butler’s status before deciding anything.
Lean: Celtics -6.5 (-108)
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.