For the third year in a row the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics will tussle in the NBA Playoffs. Game 1 of their first-round series is Sunday afternoon.
The big difference this time is that they renew hostilities at a much earlier stage of the postseason, this being the initial round as opposed to the conference final. As everybody knows, the Heat are taking on the Celtics without Jimmy Butler, who has a sprained MCL. Even if this series goes the distance he most likely won’t step on the court once.
For Game 1 the NBA odds have the host Celtics as massive -13.5 favourites, which seem a bit rough.
Heat vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds
There is a ton of history to speak of between these clubs. Even if we limit the conversation to playoff bouts, the conversation would extend far beyond the word count we try to limit these game previews to. Suffice it to say that Miami and Boston have met three times in the past four years, each one being an Eastern Conference Final matchup. The Heat won twice and the Celtics once. Fans of both clubs recall, fondly or not, how Miami upset Boston in seven games last season to reach the NBA Finals. The Heat covered the spread in five of those seven games.
As for regular season meetings, it was a three-game sweep for the Celtics, although the last game was relatively close (110-106).
Apart from Butler, the Heat could be without Terry Rozier – former Celtic, incidentally. He missed Friday’s Play-In game because of a neck injury. Turning over to Boston, what ailments the stars were afflicted with have had an entire week to dealt with. More than a week, in fact, since coach Joe Mazzulla put in the b-team to finish off the regular season last weekend.
Miami Heat
Miami certainly hasn’t made it easy on themselves to get to the first round of the playoffs. They lost earlier in the week to the 76ers in the opening Play-In match, which meant they had to deal with the Chicago Bulls on Friday night to earn the eighth seed.
Despite missing their undisputed star, the Heat cruised to a 112-91 victory. If we can take anything from that game and apply it to how the team can potentially rustle Boston’s feathers, Miami is a more diversified club than one would think. On Friday night two names stood out: Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyler Herro. Jaquez is a rookie but didn’t play like one (21 points off 8-for-16 shooting) and Herro (24 points) is feeling confident and surely pleased about actually getting to partake in postseason action (an injury last year forced him to miss almost all of it). Don’t discount Kevin Love either, who has a history with the Celtics from his Cleveland days with LeBron James. Then there is Bam Adebayo, who is often a thorn in Boston’s side when they meet.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics were showered with superlatives all season. Now they must play hard for two more months if they wish to finally capture the elusive 18th championship banner.
That is the knock against the Celtics, at least this generation. The Jayson Tatum–Jaylen Brown duo, as good as it typically is, hasn’t come to fruition in the postseason. There have been good games, a few good series, but never a great run all the way to a win in the Finals. That’s why Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Holiday has the winning mentality from his time in Milwaukee and Porzingis provides a presence in the paint the Celtics haven’t had a in a few years. Don’t overlook Derrick White, who seems to play very loose in the fourth quarter when the going gets tough.
After a 64-18 regular season and as the second best offensive team in the league and the fifth best defensive one, a first round exit would be embarrassing.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Heat vs. Celtics Game 1?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time | fav | line | total |
---|---|---|---|
Opening 20 Apr 4:44am | BOS | -14.5 -105 | O +208.5 -110 |
Closing 21 Apr 7:23pm | BOS | -14.5 -125 | U +208.5 -130 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Heat Team Leaders
Points |
20.83 |
Assists |
4.97 |
Rebounds |
10.38 |
FG% |
57.7 |
Steals |
1.36 |
Blocks |
0.93 |
Points |
26.85 |
Assists |
5.16 |
Rebounds |
8.12 |
FG% |
70 |
Steals |
1.19 |
Blocks |
1.95 |
Points |
22.6 |
Assists |
5.4 |
Rebounds |
9.4 |
FG% |
71.4 |
Steals |
1 |
Blocks |
0.6 |
Points |
25 |
Assists |
6.26 |
Rebounds |
9.68 |
FG% |
66.7 |
Steals |
1.21 |
Blocks |
1.57 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
Points |
20.83 |
Assists |
4.97 |
Rebounds |
10.38 |
FG% |
57.7 |
Steals |
1.36 |
Blocks |
0.93 |
Points |
26.85 |
Assists |
5.16 |
Rebounds |
8.12 |
FG% |
70 |
Steals |
1.19 |
Blocks |
1.95 |
Points |
22.6 |
Assists |
5.4 |
Rebounds |
9.4 |
FG% |
71.4 |
Steals |
1 |
Blocks |
0.6 |
Points |
25 |
Assists |
6.26 |
Rebounds |
9.68 |
FG% |
66.7 |
Steals |
1.21 |
Blocks |
1.57 |
Injuries
Kevin Love (PF)
Delon Wright (PG)
Nikola Jovic (SF)
Haywood Highsmith (SF)
Kevin Love (PF)
Duncan Robinson (SF)
Duncan Robinson (SF)
Jimmy Butler (PF)
Duncan Robinson (SF)
Kevin Love (PF)
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Luke Kornet (C)
Xavier Tillman (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Al Horford (C)
Injuries
player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kevin Love (PF) | Prob Sat | Arm - 26 / 04 / 24 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
Love is tending to a left arm contusion, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Celtics. |
|||||
Delon Wright (PG) | Prob Mon | Personal - 26 / 04 / 24 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
Wright is dealing with a personal matter, but it is predicted that he will face the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
Nikola Jovic (SF) | Prob Wed | Back - 24 / 04 / 24 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
Jovic is dealing with a back injury, but it is anticipated that he will not suit up for Wednesday's tilt versus the Celtics. |
|||||
Haywood Highsmith (SF) | Prob Wed | Arm - 23 / 04 / 24 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
Highsmith is tending to a left arm contusion, but it is anticipated that he will play against the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
Kevin Love (PF) | Prob Wed | Arm - 23 / 04 / 24 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
Love has a left arm contusion, but it is projected that he will take on the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
Duncan Robinson (SF) | Prob Wed | Back - 23 / 04 / 24 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
Robinson is managing left facet syndrome, but it is likely that he will dress for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Celtics. |
|||||
Duncan Robinson (SF) | Prob Sun | Spine - 20 / 04 / 24 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
Robinson is dealing with left facet syndrome, but it is not expected to impact his status for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Celtics. |
|||||
Jimmy Butler (PF) | Out indefinitely | Knee - 18 / 04 / 24 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
Butler is shut down with an MCL sprain in his right knee, and he will miss an extended period. |
|||||
Duncan Robinson (SF) | Prob Fri | Spine - 18 / 04 / 24 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
Robinson is battling left facet syndrome, but he is projected to take the court for Friday's clash versus the Bulls. |
|||||
Kevin Love (PF) | Prob Wed | Arm - 14 / 04 / 24 | 2-4 | 3-3 | + - |
Love is tending to an upper left arm contusion, but it is likely that he will be available for the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament versus the 76ers. |
player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Mon | Leg - 11 / 06 / 24 | 1-1 | 0-3 | + - |
Porzingis is nursing a lower leg injury, but he is expected to be on court against the Mavericks on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. |
|||||
Luke Kornet (C) | Ques Thurs | Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24 | 2-2 | 0-5 | + - |
Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, and it is undetermined if he will be active in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday. |
|||||
Jrue Holiday (PG) | Prob Mon | Illness - 26 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
Holiday is ailing from illness, but he is projected to be on court against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
Jrue Holiday (PG) | Prob Sun | Illness - 25 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
Holiday is dealing with a non-COVID illness, but he is likely to be on court against the Pacers on Sunday. |
|||||
Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Mon | Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, but he is expected to play against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
Xavier Tillman (PF) | Ques Sat | Personal - 20 / 05 / 24 | 3-5 | 4-5 | + - |
Tillman has missed the last two game because of the personal reasons, and it is unclear if he will play Saturday against the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Mon | Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 | 4-7 | 5-7 | + - |
Kornet has a right calf injury, but he is expected to feature in the lineup against the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Thur | Calf - 29 / 04 / 24 | 8-7 | 7-9 | + - |
Porzingis is dealing with a right calf strain, and he is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday. |
|||||
Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Sat | Calf - 20 / 04 / 24 | 9-8 | 9-10 | + - |
Kornet has been out of commission with a right calf strain, but he is expected to return to the court for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat. |
|||||
Al Horford (C) | Prob Sun | Toe - 12 / 04 / 24 | 10-9 | 11-10 | + - |
Horford has a left big toe sprain, but he is expected to line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 20 Apr 4:44am BOS -14.5 -105 O +208.5 -110 Closing 21 Apr 7:23pm BOS -14.5 -125 U +208.5 -130 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Heat Team Leaders
Points 20.83
Assists 4.97
Rebounds 10.38
FG% 57.7
Steals 1.36
Blocks 0.93
Points 26.85
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 8.12
FG% 70
Steals 1.19
Blocks 1.95
Points 22.6
Assists 5.4
Rebounds 9.4
FG% 71.4
Steals 1
Blocks 0.6
Points 25
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 9.68
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.21
Blocks 1.57
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
Points 20.83
Assists 4.97
Rebounds 10.38
FG% 57.7
Steals 1.36
Blocks 0.93
Points 26.85
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 8.12
FG% 70
Steals 1.19
Blocks 1.95
Points 22.6
Assists 5.4
Rebounds 9.4
FG% 71.4
Steals 1
Blocks 0.6
Points 25
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 9.68
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.21
Blocks 1.57
-
Injuries
Kevin Love (PF)
Prob Sat Arm - 26 / 04 / 24Delon Wright (PG)
Prob Mon Personal - 26 / 04 / 24Nikola Jovic (SF)
Prob Wed Back - 24 / 04 / 24Haywood Highsmith (SF)
Prob Wed Arm - 23 / 04 / 24Kevin Love (PF)
Prob Wed Arm - 23 / 04 / 24Duncan Robinson (SF)
Prob Wed Back - 23 / 04 / 24Duncan Robinson (SF)
Prob Sun Spine - 20 / 04 / 24Jimmy Butler (PF)
Out indefinitely Knee - 18 / 04 / 24Duncan Robinson (SF)
Prob Fri Spine - 18 / 04 / 24Kevin Love (PF)
Prob Wed Arm - 14 / 04 / 24Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Mon Leg - 11 / 06 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Ques Thurs Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24Jrue Holiday (PG)
Prob Mon Illness - 26 / 05 / 24Jrue Holiday (PG)
Prob Sun Illness - 25 / 05 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Mon Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24Xavier Tillman (PF)
Ques Sat Personal - 20 / 05 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Mon Calf - 12 / 05 / 24Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Thur Calf - 29 / 04 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Sat Calf - 20 / 04 / 24Al Horford (C)
Prob Sun Toe - 12 / 04 / 24Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kevin Love (PF) Prob Sat Arm - 26 / 04 / 24 1-2 1-2 + - Love is tending to a left arm contusion, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Celtics.
Delon Wright (PG) Prob Mon Personal - 26 / 04 / 24 1-2 1-2 + - Wright is dealing with a personal matter, but it is predicted that he will face the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Nikola Jovic (SF) Prob Wed Back - 24 / 04 / 24 1-3 1-3 + - Jovic is dealing with a back injury, but it is anticipated that he will not suit up for Wednesday's tilt versus the Celtics.
Haywood Highsmith (SF) Prob Wed Arm - 23 / 04 / 24 1-3 1-3 + - Highsmith is tending to a left arm contusion, but it is anticipated that he will play against the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Kevin Love (PF) Prob Wed Arm - 23 / 04 / 24 1-3 1-3 + - Love has a left arm contusion, but it is projected that he will take on the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Duncan Robinson (SF) Prob Wed Back - 23 / 04 / 24 1-3 1-3 + - Robinson is managing left facet syndrome, but it is likely that he will dress for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Celtics.
Duncan Robinson (SF) Prob Sun Spine - 20 / 04 / 24 1-3 1-3 + - Robinson is dealing with left facet syndrome, but it is not expected to impact his status for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Celtics.
Jimmy Butler (PF) Out indefinitely Knee - 18 / 04 / 24 1-3 1-3 + - Butler is shut down with an MCL sprain in his right knee, and he will miss an extended period.
Duncan Robinson (SF) Prob Fri Spine - 18 / 04 / 24 1-3 1-3 + - Robinson is battling left facet syndrome, but he is projected to take the court for Friday's clash versus the Bulls.
Kevin Love (PF) Prob Wed Arm - 14 / 04 / 24 2-4 3-3 + - Love is tending to an upper left arm contusion, but it is likely that he will be available for the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament versus the 76ers.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Mon Leg - 11 / 06 / 24 1-1 0-3 + - Porzingis is nursing a lower leg injury, but he is expected to be on court against the Mavericks on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Luke Kornet (C) Ques Thurs Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24 2-2 0-5 + - Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, and it is undetermined if he will be active in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday.
Jrue Holiday (PG) Prob Mon Illness - 26 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Holiday is ailing from illness, but he is projected to be on court against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jrue Holiday (PG) Prob Sun Illness - 25 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Holiday is dealing with a non-COVID illness, but he is likely to be on court against the Pacers on Sunday.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Mon Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, but he is expected to play against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Xavier Tillman (PF) Ques Sat Personal - 20 / 05 / 24 3-5 4-5 + - Tillman has missed the last two game because of the personal reasons, and it is unclear if he will play Saturday against the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Mon Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 4-7 5-7 + - Kornet has a right calf injury, but he is expected to feature in the lineup against the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Thur Calf - 29 / 04 / 24 8-7 7-9 + - Porzingis is dealing with a right calf strain, and he is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Sat Calf - 20 / 04 / 24 9-8 9-10 + - Kornet has been out of commission with a right calf strain, but he is expected to return to the court for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat.
Al Horford (C) Prob Sun Toe - 12 / 04 / 24 10-9 11-10 + - Horford has a left big toe sprain, but he is expected to line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.