The Boston Celtics look to rebound from their first straight up loss in 10 games when they wrap up a three-game road trip with a Tuesday night date with the Miami Heat.
The Celtics are coming off a stunning 113-98 defeat in Orlando on Monday night, and have now failed to cover in three straight contests. The Heat extended their current win streak on home hardwood to four games with Sunday’s 100-96 victory over New Orleans, but have alternated between wins and losses over their last four contests.
Boston finds itself in a rare position as fading underdogs on the NBA odds, dipping to 3-point dogs after opening at +2. The total is also in decline, slipping to 217.5 since opening at 219.
Celtics vs. Heat NBA Betting Odds
Tuesday night’s matchup at Miami-Dade Arena marks the fourth and final meeting of the season between these Eastern Conference rivals. The Celtics have taken two of three from the Heat so far this season, including a 111-104 win in Miami back on Oct. 21, but dropped a 120-116 decision when the Heat visited Boston in their most recent date on Dec. 2.
Overall, the Celtics have claimed straight victories in four of six head-to-head tilts in regular season action, and are also 5-1 straight up in their past six regular season visits to South Florida. The Over has easily paid out in each of the past two matchups between these clubs, halting a 3-1 run for the Under.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics saw the 9-0 run that cemented their grasp on the top spot in the NBA standings end with a disappointing performance in Monday’s loss to the Magic. Struggling with injuries that have sidelined both Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III, the Celtics came out flat in Orlando, spotting the hosts an early 30-23 lead from which they would not recover in a 113-98 defeat.
The contest also marked a step back for the Celtics’ offence, which had racked up an average of 118.3 points during the team’s recent 9-0 run, but posted just 101 points per game through the first two contests of their current road trip. Boston is now set to hit the court for the third time in four nights, and on consecutive nights for the second time in just 12 days. However, the Celtics have produced impressive results when playing in the back half of games scheduled on back-to-back nights, going 7-0 straight up so far this season, while covering on five occasions over that stretch. But while they have covered in five straight as road dogs, they have earned the win in just six of their past 20 when sporting positive odds away from home.
Miami Heat
The Heat extended their current steady run on home hardwood with an impressive comeback performance in Sunday’s victory over the Pelicans. Miami trailed by as many as 16 points in the second quarter before rallying just before halftime and seizing control after recess. The Heat received contributions from up and down the lineup, with five players cracking double digits. Tyler Herro set the pace with a team-high 26 points, ending a shaky injury-plagued run this month, during which he averaged just 15.6 points over his previous five outings. Big man Bam Adebayo has remained a beast under the basket. Abedayo tallied nine rebounds in Sunday’s victory, and has as averaged 11.1 boards in 11 appearances since the beginning of the month.
Despite enjoying evenly distributed scoring, Miami has still only averaged 95 points over their past two games. However, they have offset that dip in production with stingy defence in recent home outings, limiting opponents to just 100.7 points per game over their past six home dates.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Celtics vs. Heat?
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BOSTON CELTICS
109 -
MIAMI HEAT
113
Score Prediction
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 24 Jan 1:01pm | BOS | -2 -110 | O +219 -110 |
| Closing 24 Jan 11:51pm | BOS | -2.5 -103 | U +214.5 -105 |
- Regular Season
Celtics Team Leaders
| Points |
30.06 |
| Assists |
6.44 |
| Rebounds |
8.9 |
| FG% |
74.3 |
| Steals |
1.53 |
| Blocks |
1.17 |
| Points |
22.88 |
| Assists |
5.16 |
| Rebounds |
9.32 |
| FG% |
54.2 |
| Steals |
1.9 |
| Blocks |
0.87 |
- Regular Season
Heat Team Leaders
| Points |
30.06 |
| Assists |
6.44 |
| Rebounds |
8.9 |
| FG% |
74.3 |
| Steals |
1.53 |
| Blocks |
1.17 |
| Points |
22.88 |
| Assists |
5.16 |
| Rebounds |
9.32 |
| FG% |
54.2 |
| Steals |
1.9 |
| Blocks |
0.87 |
Injuries
Al Horford (C)
Marcus Smart (PG)
Marcus Smart (PG)
Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Al Horford (C)
Payton Pritchard (PG)
Robert Williams III (C)
Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Mike Muscala (PF)
Derrick White (PG)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Caleb Martin (SF)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Caleb Martin (SF)
Cody Zeller (PF)
Duncan Robinson (SF)
Kevin Love (PF)
Kevin Love (PF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Horford (C) | Prob Tues | Back - 18 / 03 / 23 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Horford missed the last contest with low back stiffness, but it is anticipated that he will play against the Kings on Tuesday. |
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| Marcus Smart (PG) | Prob Tues | Hip - 18 / 03 / 23 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Smart sat out the last game with a left hip contusion, but it is projected that he will be active Tuesday versus the Kings. |
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| Marcus Smart (PG) | Ques Fri | Illness - 17 / 03 / 23 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Smart is dealing with an illness, and it remains to be seen whether he will suit up Friday against the Trail Blazers. |
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| Malcolm Brogdon (SG) | Ques Sat | Achilles - 17 / 03 / 23 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Brogdon sat out the last game with right Achilles soreness, and it is undetermined if he will suit up Saturday against the Jazz. |
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| Al Horford (C) | Prob Wed | Back - 06 / 03 / 23 | 3-2 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Horford was held out of the previous contest due to lower-back stiffness, but he is expected to face the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. |
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| Payton Pritchard (PG) | Out indefinitely | Heel - 06 / 03 / 23 | 3-2 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Pritchard is dealing with a left heel injury, and there is no timetable for his return. |
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| Robert Williams III (C) | Prob Tues | Hamstring - 03 / 03 / 23 | 3-3 | 4-2 | + - |
|
Williams III has been sidelined due to a left hamstring strain, but he is expected to return against the Kings on Tuesday. |
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| Malcolm Brogdon (SG) | Ques Sun | Ankle - 03 / 03 / 23 | 3-3 | 4-2 | + - |
|
Brogdon was held out of the previous contest due to right ankle soreness, and it is uncertain if he will face the Knicks on Sunday. |
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| Mike Muscala (PF) | Ques Wed | Knee - 28 / 02 / 23 | 4-4 | 4-4 | + - |
|
Muscala is nursing right knee tendinopathy, leaving his status for Wednesday's clash with the Cavaliers up in the air. |
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| Derrick White (PG) | Prob Mon | Ankle - 26 / 02 / 23 | 4-5 | 5-4 | + - |
|
White is hampered by a right ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will play against the Knicks on Monday. |
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| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Prob Wed | Knee - 21 / 03 / 23 | 1-2 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Lowry is expected to dress for Wednesday's clash with the Knicks despite left knee soreness. |
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| Caleb Martin (SF) | Prob Wed | Knee - 21 / 03 / 23 | 1-2 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Martin is hobbled by soreness in his left knee, but it is likely that he will take on the Knicks on Wednesday. |
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| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Prob Sun | Knee - 17 / 03 / 23 | 0-1 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Lowry was absent from the last game due to left knee soreness, but it is anticipated that he will be available against the Pistons on Sunday. |
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| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Ques Wed | Knee - 14 / 03 / 23 | 0-0 | 0-0 | + - |
|
Lowry is battling left knee soreness, and it is undetermined if he will be available for Wednesday's contest versus the Grizzlies. |
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| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Prob Mon | Knee - 12 / 03 / 23 | 0-1 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Lowry is hampered by left knee soreness, but it is likely that he will lace up for Monday's clash with the Jazz. |
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| Caleb Martin (SF) | Prob Mon | Knee - 11 / 03 / 23 | 1-2 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Martin sat out the last game with left knee soreness, but it is expected that he will partake in Monday's battle with the Jazz. |
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| Cody Zeller (PF) | Out indefinitely | Nose - 11 / 03 / 23 | 1-2 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Zeller is out of action with a nasal fracture, and there is no timetable for return. |
|||||
| Duncan Robinson (SF) | Prob Mon | Illness - 10 / 03 / 23 | 1-2 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Robinson has cleared the league's health and safety protocols, and he is projected to return against the Jazz on Monday. |
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| Kevin Love (PF) | Prob Fri | Ribs - 09 / 03 / 23 | 1-3 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Love is dealing with a right rib contusion, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Friday's clash against the Cavaliers. |
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| Kevin Love (PF) | Prob Wed | Ribs - 05 / 03 / 23 | 2-4 | 4-2 | + - |
|
Love was held out of the previous game due to a right rib contusion, but he is expected to play Wednesday versus the Cavaliers. |
|||||
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Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 24 Jan 1:01pm BOS -2 -110 O +219 -110 Closing 24 Jan 11:51pm BOS -2.5 -103 U +214.5 -105 -
- Regular Season
Celtics Team Leaders
Points 30.06
Assists 6.44
Rebounds 8.9
FG% 74.3
Steals 1.53
Blocks 1.17
Points 22.88
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 9.32
FG% 54.2
Steals 1.9
Blocks 0.87
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- Regular Season
Heat Team Leaders
Points 30.06
Assists 6.44
Rebounds 8.9
FG% 74.3
Steals 1.53
Blocks 1.17
Points 22.88
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 9.32
FG% 54.2
Steals 1.9
Blocks 0.87
-
Injuries
Al Horford (C)
Prob Tues Back - 18 / 03 / 23Marcus Smart (PG)
Prob Tues Hip - 18 / 03 / 23Marcus Smart (PG)
Ques Fri Illness - 17 / 03 / 23Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Ques Sat Achilles - 17 / 03 / 23Al Horford (C)
Prob Wed Back - 06 / 03 / 23Payton Pritchard (PG)
Out indefinitely Heel - 06 / 03 / 23Robert Williams III (C)
Prob Tues Hamstring - 03 / 03 / 23Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Ques Sun Ankle - 03 / 03 / 23Mike Muscala (PF)
Ques Wed Knee - 28 / 02 / 23Derrick White (PG)
Prob Mon Ankle - 26 / 02 / 23Kyle Lowry (PG)
Prob Wed Knee - 21 / 03 / 23Caleb Martin (SF)
Prob Wed Knee - 21 / 03 / 23Kyle Lowry (PG)
Prob Sun Knee - 17 / 03 / 23Kyle Lowry (PG)
Ques Wed Knee - 14 / 03 / 23Kyle Lowry (PG)
Prob Mon Knee - 12 / 03 / 23Caleb Martin (SF)
Prob Mon Knee - 11 / 03 / 23Cody Zeller (PF)
Out indefinitely Nose - 11 / 03 / 23Duncan Robinson (SF)
Prob Mon Illness - 10 / 03 / 23Kevin Love (PF)
Prob Fri Ribs - 09 / 03 / 23Kevin Love (PF)
Prob Wed Ribs - 05 / 03 / 23Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Al Horford (C) Prob Tues Back - 18 / 03 / 23 0-1 0-1 + - Horford missed the last contest with low back stiffness, but it is anticipated that he will play against the Kings on Tuesday.
Marcus Smart (PG) Prob Tues Hip - 18 / 03 / 23 0-1 0-1 + - Smart sat out the last game with a left hip contusion, but it is projected that he will be active Tuesday versus the Kings.
Marcus Smart (PG) Ques Fri Illness - 17 / 03 / 23 0-1 0-1 + - Smart is dealing with an illness, and it remains to be seen whether he will suit up Friday against the Trail Blazers.
Malcolm Brogdon (SG) Ques Sat Achilles - 17 / 03 / 23 0-1 0-1 + - Brogdon sat out the last game with right Achilles soreness, and it is undetermined if he will suit up Saturday against the Jazz.
Al Horford (C) Prob Wed Back - 06 / 03 / 23 3-2 3-2 + - Horford was held out of the previous contest due to lower-back stiffness, but he is expected to face the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Payton Pritchard (PG) Out indefinitely Heel - 06 / 03 / 23 3-2 3-2 + - Pritchard is dealing with a left heel injury, and there is no timetable for his return.
Robert Williams III (C) Prob Tues Hamstring - 03 / 03 / 23 3-3 4-2 + - Williams III has been sidelined due to a left hamstring strain, but he is expected to return against the Kings on Tuesday.
Malcolm Brogdon (SG) Ques Sun Ankle - 03 / 03 / 23 3-3 4-2 + - Brogdon was held out of the previous contest due to right ankle soreness, and it is uncertain if he will face the Knicks on Sunday.
Mike Muscala (PF) Ques Wed Knee - 28 / 02 / 23 4-4 4-4 + - Muscala is nursing right knee tendinopathy, leaving his status for Wednesday's clash with the Cavaliers up in the air.
Derrick White (PG) Prob Mon Ankle - 26 / 02 / 23 4-5 5-4 + - White is hampered by a right ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will play against the Knicks on Monday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kyle Lowry (PG) Prob Wed Knee - 21 / 03 / 23 1-2 2-1 + - Lowry is expected to dress for Wednesday's clash with the Knicks despite left knee soreness.
Caleb Martin (SF) Prob Wed Knee - 21 / 03 / 23 1-2 2-1 + - Martin is hobbled by soreness in his left knee, but it is likely that he will take on the Knicks on Wednesday.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Prob Sun Knee - 17 / 03 / 23 0-1 1-0 + - Lowry was absent from the last game due to left knee soreness, but it is anticipated that he will be available against the Pistons on Sunday.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Ques Wed Knee - 14 / 03 / 23 0-0 0-0 + - Lowry is battling left knee soreness, and it is undetermined if he will be available for Wednesday's contest versus the Grizzlies.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Prob Mon Knee - 12 / 03 / 23 0-1 1-0 + - Lowry is hampered by left knee soreness, but it is likely that he will lace up for Monday's clash with the Jazz.
Caleb Martin (SF) Prob Mon Knee - 11 / 03 / 23 1-2 2-1 + - Martin sat out the last game with left knee soreness, but it is expected that he will partake in Monday's battle with the Jazz.
Cody Zeller (PF) Out indefinitely Nose - 11 / 03 / 23 1-2 2-1 + - Zeller is out of action with a nasal fracture, and there is no timetable for return.
Duncan Robinson (SF) Prob Mon Illness - 10 / 03 / 23 1-2 2-1 + - Robinson has cleared the league's health and safety protocols, and he is projected to return against the Jazz on Monday.
Kevin Love (PF) Prob Fri Ribs - 09 / 03 / 23 1-3 3-1 + - Love is dealing with a right rib contusion, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Friday's clash against the Cavaliers.
Kevin Love (PF) Prob Wed Ribs - 05 / 03 / 23 2-4 4-2 + - Love was held out of the previous game due to a right rib contusion, but he is expected to play Wednesday versus the Cavaliers.