The NBA regular season has concluded and the postseason is officially underway! This Eastern Conference playoff series features a matchup between the #8 Miami Heat and the #1 Boston Celtics. The Celtics are a considerablely sized favorite to win not just this first-round series, but the entire Eastern Conference.
Before Betting on Heat vs Celtics
The Heat came up short in their first play-in game against the 76ers, but held off the Bulls at home to avoid elimination. They made quick work of the Bulls, despite losing star Jimmy Butler to an MCL injury. With Butler sidelined, Miami faces a considerably tougher task against a Celtics team that was already going to be a notable challenge.
That being said, the Heat did go up 3-0 against Boston in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, though they did it with Butler available. With a talented roster and a gritty play style, Miami is still a threat to pull off the upset shorthanded. They’ll have a chance to catch a Boston team that eased into the playoffs sleeping if they can get off to a hot start.
The Celtics coasted into the playoffs, after cementing the top spot in the Eastern Conference nearly a month ago. No one else in the East has been able to come close to Bostom’s level of sheer talent. With a significant amount of injuries plaguing the conference, they faced little opposition. That being said, the Celtics are not a lock to make the Finals, and have some obstacles of their own to overcome.
They’ve dealt with some notable injuries themselves, getting limited play from Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis down the stretch. After losing games in the final week to New York and Milwaukee, Boston needs to avoid sleepwalking into the playoffs. This first-round matchup offers a good opportunity to get back into rhythm before facing a tougher team later on.
Heat vs Celtics Offshore Odds
This series is a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, raising the intrigue. Boston only improved since then, while Miami has a few notable disadvantages this time around. On the other hand, the Heat made runs as a lower seed in 2020 and 2023. If they catch Boston sleeping early on, it’s not impossible for Miami to advance. That being said, it won’t be easy with Jimmy Butler sidelined. Boston should wrap this series up in five games.
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