The NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals open Wednesday with the second-seeded Boston Celtics hosting the No. 8 Miami Heat.
The C’s are 8.5-point favourites for Game 1 on the NBA odds with a total of 210.0 points.
Heat vs. Celtics NBA Playoff Betting Odds
Boston is -625 on the series line and Miami +350. On the series handicap, Celtics at -1.5 games is -200 and Heat at +1.5 games is +148. The favoured result after Game 3 is Boston up 2-1 at +103. The over-under for total games is 5.5, with the Over a -127 favourite. That it finishes in five games is the +175 leader, however. The favoured exact result is Celtics in five at +205.
These teams also met in the 2022 East Finals and Boston won Game 7 at home 100-96 before losing to Golden State in the NBA Finals. That loss was supposed to close the championship window for the Heat, but Jimmy Butler has possibly delayed that one more year.
Boston and Miami split four regular-season meetings, each going 1-1 on the road. The Heat are 3-2 all-time vs. the Celtics in the playoffs.
Miami Heat
The Heat, just the second No. 8 seed to reach the NBA’s conference finals, are making their 10th conference finals appearance, tying for the third-most among all four major North American sports leagues (also NHL, MLB, NFL) since making their first appearance in 1997. Coach Erik Spoelstra is making his seventh such appearance, the second-most by any head coach among the four major sports leagues since he was named head coach, behind the New England Patriots’ Bill Belichick. Spoelstra is 5-1 in the previous six. Jimmy Butler has almost single-handedly carried the Heat here, averaging 31.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists. He will continue to have to carry a big load with fellow starting guard Tyler Herro still out injured as is reserve guard Victor Oladipo. Miami has always been a good defensive team under Spoelstra and has held opponents under 50 per cent from the field in 10 of its 11 playoff games, including under 40 per cent from three-point range eight times.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics were down 3-2 in the last round against the Sixers, but once Boston won Game 6 in Philly it almost was fait accompli that they would win Game 7 back at home and they did easily, 112-88. Jayson Tatum was awful shooting in Game 6 but had 51 points in Game 7, an NBA record for a Game 7. He was also the first player in NBA history with at least 50 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a series clinching win. Tatum became the first player to record 50 points in the regular season, postseason and All-Star Game all in the same season. He’s your NBA Finals MVP currently. The Celtics have now won seven series when trailing 3-2, the most by any team in NBA history. Boston is as healthy as possible this time of year. The C’s are 1-1 in Game 1s this postseason. We think that improves to 2-0, but 8.5 points are too many points to give.
Game 1 Prediction: Who Will Win Heat vs. Celtics?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 15 May 12:01am | MIA | -7.5 -110 | O +210 -110 |
| Closing 17 May 11:36pm | MIA | -8.5 -110 | O +213 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Heat Team Leaders
| Points |
22.91 |
| Assists |
5.31 |
| Rebounds |
9.17 |
| FG% |
62.7 |
| Steals |
1.83 |
| Blocks |
0.81 |
| Points |
30.07 |
| Assists |
6.26 |
| Rebounds |
8.77 |
| FG% |
74.7 |
| Steals |
1.52 |
| Blocks |
1.37 |
| Points |
26.91 |
| Assists |
5.86 |
| Rebounds |
9.87 |
| FG% |
61.5 |
| Steals |
1.82 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
27.15 |
| Assists |
5.25 |
| Rebounds |
10.5 |
| FG% |
87.5 |
| Steals |
1.25 |
| Blocks |
1.7 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
| Points |
22.91 |
| Assists |
5.31 |
| Rebounds |
9.17 |
| FG% |
62.7 |
| Steals |
1.83 |
| Blocks |
0.81 |
| Points |
30.07 |
| Assists |
6.26 |
| Rebounds |
8.77 |
| FG% |
74.7 |
| Steals |
1.52 |
| Blocks |
1.37 |
| Points |
26.91 |
| Assists |
5.86 |
| Rebounds |
9.87 |
| FG% |
61.5 |
| Steals |
1.82 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
27.15 |
| Assists |
5.25 |
| Rebounds |
10.5 |
| FG% |
87.5 |
| Steals |
1.25 |
| Blocks |
1.7 |
Injuries
Cody Zeller (PF)
Caleb Martin (SF)
Cody Zeller (PF)
Gabe Vincent (SG)
Gabe Vincent (SG)
Kevin Love (PF)
Omer Yurtseven (C)
Cody Zeller (PF)
Jimmy Butler (PF)
Haywood Highsmith (SF)
Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Marcus Smart (PG)
Blake Griffin (PF)
Marcus Smart (PG)
Marcus Smart (PG)
Al Horford (C)
Robert Williams III (C)
Derrick White (PG)
Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Zeller (PF) | Prob Wed | Foot - 06 / 06 / 23 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Zeller is tending to a right foot sprain, but it is not expected to impact his status for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Caleb Martin (SF) | Prob Sun | Illness - 03 / 06 / 23 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
|
Martin is nursing an illness, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 2 for the NBA Finals against the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Cody Zeller (PF) | Prob Sun | Foot - 03 / 06 / 23 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
|
Zeller is tending to a right foot sprain, but it is projected that he will face the Nuggets in Game 2 of the NBA finals. |
|||||
| Gabe Vincent (SG) | Ques Mon | Ankle - 28 / 05 / 23 | 3-4 | 1-6 | + - |
|
Vincent is nursing a left ankle sprain, and it remains to be seen if he will dress for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics. |
|||||
| Gabe Vincent (SG) | Ques Sat | Ankle - 24 / 05 / 23 | 4-5 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Vincent is hobbled by a left ankle sprain, and it is undetermined if he will suit up against the Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. |
|||||
| Kevin Love (PF) | Prob Tues | Ankle - 21 / 05 / 23 | 5-5 | 3-7 | + - |
|
Love is nursing an ankle injury, but it is expected that he will partake in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics. |
|||||
| Omer Yurtseven (C) | Ques Fri | Nose - 18 / 05 / 23 | 6-6 | 4-8 | + - |
|
Yurtseven is tending to a nasal contusion, and it is uncertain if he will be active for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Celtics. |
|||||
| Cody Zeller (PF) | Prob Wed | Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 | 6-6 | 4-8 | + - |
|
Zeller is ailing from an illness, but it is projected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Celtics. |
|||||
| Jimmy Butler (PF) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 11 / 05 / 23 | 6-7 | 5-8 | + - |
|
Butler is dealing with a right ankle sprain, but he is still expected to be in the lineup for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals versus the Knicks. |
|||||
| Haywood Highsmith (SF) | Prob Fri | Knee - 11 / 05 / 23 | 6-7 | 5-8 | + - |
|
Highsmith has tendinitis in his left knee, but it is not projected to affect his status ahead of the matchup against the Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malcolm Brogdon (SG) | Prob Mon | Forearm - 25 / 05 / 23 | 2-1 | 0-3 | + - |
|
Brogdon is nursing a partially torn tendon in his right forearm, but it is anticipated that he will be active versus the Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. |
|||||
| Malcolm Brogdon (SG) | Prob Fri | Forearm - 17 / 05 / 23 | 3-4 | 3-4 | + - |
|
Brogdon is managing a right forearm strain, but it is likely that he will take on the Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. |
|||||
| Marcus Smart (PG) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 06 / 05 / 23 | 5-6 | 6-5 | + - |
|
Smart is hobbled by a left ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will take on the 76ers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Blake Griffin (PF) | Prob Sun | Back - 05 / 05 / 23 | 6-6 | 6-6 | + - |
|
Griffin is tending to lower-back pain, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers. |
|||||
| Marcus Smart (PG) | Ques Wed | Chest - 02 / 05 / 23 | 6-7 | 7-6 | + - |
|
Smart is nursing a chest contusion, leaving his status against the 76ers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals up in the air. |
|||||
| Marcus Smart (PG) | Prob Sun | Tailbone - 22 / 04 / 23 | 8-9 | 11-6 | + - |
|
Smart is hindered by a tailbone contusion, but it is projected that he will take on the Hawks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Al Horford (C) | Prob Sat | Back - 08 / 04 / 23 | 12-9 | 13-8 | + - |
|
Horford is nursing lower back stiffness, but it is projected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Hawks. |
|||||
| Robert Williams III (C) | Prob Sat | Knee - 08 / 04 / 23 | 12-9 | 13-8 | + - |
|
Williams is managing left knee soreness, but it is not expected to affect his status for the Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round with the Hawks. |
|||||
| Derrick White (PG) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 06 / 04 / 23 | 13-9 | 13-9 | + - |
|
White has a left ankle sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability for Friday's tilt with the Raptors. |
|||||
| Malcolm Brogdon (SG) | Prob Sat | Back - 06 / 04 / 23 | 13-9 | 13-9 | + - |
|
Brogdon is hampered by lower-back soreness, but it is likely that he will bounce back in time to face the Hawks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 15 May 12:01am MIA -7.5 -110 O +210 -110 Closing 17 May 11:36pm MIA -8.5 -110 O +213 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Heat Team Leaders
Points 22.91
Assists 5.31
Rebounds 9.17
FG% 62.7
Steals 1.83
Blocks 0.81
Points 30.07
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 8.77
FG% 74.7
Steals 1.52
Blocks 1.37
Points 26.91
Assists 5.86
Rebounds 9.87
FG% 61.5
Steals 1.82
Blocks 1
Points 27.15
Assists 5.25
Rebounds 10.5
FG% 87.5
Steals 1.25
Blocks 1.7
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
Points 22.91
Assists 5.31
Rebounds 9.17
FG% 62.7
Steals 1.83
Blocks 0.81
Points 30.07
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 8.77
FG% 74.7
Steals 1.52
Blocks 1.37
Points 26.91
Assists 5.86
Rebounds 9.87
FG% 61.5
Steals 1.82
Blocks 1
Points 27.15
Assists 5.25
Rebounds 10.5
FG% 87.5
Steals 1.25
Blocks 1.7
-
Injuries
Cody Zeller (PF)
Prob Wed Foot - 06 / 06 / 23Caleb Martin (SF)
Prob Sun Illness - 03 / 06 / 23Cody Zeller (PF)
Prob Sun Foot - 03 / 06 / 23Gabe Vincent (SG)
Ques Mon Ankle - 28 / 05 / 23Gabe Vincent (SG)
Ques Sat Ankle - 24 / 05 / 23Kevin Love (PF)
Prob Tues Ankle - 21 / 05 / 23Omer Yurtseven (C)
Ques Fri Nose - 18 / 05 / 23Cody Zeller (PF)
Prob Wed Illness - 15 / 05 / 23Jimmy Butler (PF)
Prob Fri Ankle - 11 / 05 / 23Haywood Highsmith (SF)
Prob Fri Knee - 11 / 05 / 23Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Prob Mon Forearm - 25 / 05 / 23Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Prob Fri Forearm - 17 / 05 / 23Marcus Smart (PG)
Prob Sun Ankle - 06 / 05 / 23Blake Griffin (PF)
Prob Sun Back - 05 / 05 / 23Marcus Smart (PG)
Ques Wed Chest - 02 / 05 / 23Marcus Smart (PG)
Prob Sun Tailbone - 22 / 04 / 23Al Horford (C)
Prob Sat Back - 08 / 04 / 23Robert Williams III (C)
Prob Sat Knee - 08 / 04 / 23Derrick White (PG)
Prob Fri Ankle - 06 / 04 / 23Malcolm Brogdon (SG)
Prob Sat Back - 06 / 04 / 23Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Cody Zeller (PF) Prob Wed Foot - 06 / 06 / 23 1-2 1-2 + - Zeller is tending to a right foot sprain, but it is not expected to impact his status for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Nuggets.
Caleb Martin (SF) Prob Sun Illness - 03 / 06 / 23 1-3 1-3 + - Martin is nursing an illness, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 2 for the NBA Finals against the Nuggets.
Cody Zeller (PF) Prob Sun Foot - 03 / 06 / 23 1-3 1-3 + - Zeller is tending to a right foot sprain, but it is projected that he will face the Nuggets in Game 2 of the NBA finals.
Gabe Vincent (SG) Ques Mon Ankle - 28 / 05 / 23 3-4 1-6 + - Vincent is nursing a left ankle sprain, and it remains to be seen if he will dress for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics.
Gabe Vincent (SG) Ques Sat Ankle - 24 / 05 / 23 4-5 2-7 + - Vincent is hobbled by a left ankle sprain, and it is undetermined if he will suit up against the Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Kevin Love (PF) Prob Tues Ankle - 21 / 05 / 23 5-5 3-7 + - Love is nursing an ankle injury, but it is expected that he will partake in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics.
Omer Yurtseven (C) Ques Fri Nose - 18 / 05 / 23 6-6 4-8 + - Yurtseven is tending to a nasal contusion, and it is uncertain if he will be active for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Celtics.
Cody Zeller (PF) Prob Wed Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 6-6 4-8 + - Zeller is ailing from an illness, but it is projected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Celtics.
Jimmy Butler (PF) Prob Fri Ankle - 11 / 05 / 23 6-7 5-8 + - Butler is dealing with a right ankle sprain, but he is still expected to be in the lineup for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals versus the Knicks.
Haywood Highsmith (SF) Prob Fri Knee - 11 / 05 / 23 6-7 5-8 + - Highsmith has tendinitis in his left knee, but it is not projected to affect his status ahead of the matchup against the Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Malcolm Brogdon (SG) Prob Mon Forearm - 25 / 05 / 23 2-1 0-3 + - Brogdon is nursing a partially torn tendon in his right forearm, but it is anticipated that he will be active versus the Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Malcolm Brogdon (SG) Prob Fri Forearm - 17 / 05 / 23 3-4 3-4 + - Brogdon is managing a right forearm strain, but it is likely that he will take on the Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Marcus Smart (PG) Prob Sun Ankle - 06 / 05 / 23 5-6 6-5 + - Smart is hobbled by a left ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will take on the 76ers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Blake Griffin (PF) Prob Sun Back - 05 / 05 / 23 6-6 6-6 + - Griffin is tending to lower-back pain, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers.
Marcus Smart (PG) Ques Wed Chest - 02 / 05 / 23 6-7 7-6 + - Smart is nursing a chest contusion, leaving his status against the 76ers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals up in the air.
Marcus Smart (PG) Prob Sun Tailbone - 22 / 04 / 23 8-9 11-6 + - Smart is hindered by a tailbone contusion, but it is projected that he will take on the Hawks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Al Horford (C) Prob Sat Back - 08 / 04 / 23 12-9 13-8 + - Horford is nursing lower back stiffness, but it is projected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Hawks.
Robert Williams III (C) Prob Sat Knee - 08 / 04 / 23 12-9 13-8 + - Williams is managing left knee soreness, but it is not expected to affect his status for the Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round with the Hawks.
Derrick White (PG) Prob Fri Ankle - 06 / 04 / 23 13-9 13-9 + - White has a left ankle sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability for Friday's tilt with the Raptors.
Malcolm Brogdon (SG) Prob Sat Back - 06 / 04 / 23 13-9 13-9 + - Brogdon is hampered by lower-back soreness, but it is likely that he will bounce back in time to face the Hawks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.