The Boston Celtics succeeded in their intention to extend the Eastern Conference finals, after winning Game 5 of their series against the Miami Heat. Will they be able to erase the deficit and do what Denver Nuggets did in the first two rounds? We’ll see about that in this preview.
When: Sunday, September 26, 7:30 pm ET
Where: Orlando, Fla
How to Watch: ESPN
Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Preview
The Celtics were more than superb in the third quarter of the most recent game when we saw them pounding the rivals, erasing the massive deficit, and breaking Miami’s will. There were some situations during the match when many wondered how they ended up in the position to be two games behind. Meanwhile, the Heat just stopped when needed the least, with their three-point shooting disappearing.
Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Odds
| Heat | Celtics |
| -3.5 -110 | +3.5 -110 |
Miami Forgetting Game 5
With only seven made threes in 36 attempts during the entire match, the Heat couldn’t hope to see a better ending of Game 5. Even though they did have a double-digit lead, it was obvious that Spoelstra’s unit isn’t playing as they always do. That difference in points was mostly because of Boston’s bad performance, and not a consequence of Miami’s plays.
So far, this team has been very good during the playoffs, but they didn’t have any pressure on their back. They eliminated Indiana and Milwaukee relatively easy, without experiencing a situation like this one now. That is why many compare them to the LA Clippers, who also had a huge lead against the Nuggets, and failed to close the series in three attempts.
Even though Goran Dragic and Jimmy Butler lead this team, right now, the difference in the court is provided by three youngsters, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Duncan Robinson, and they are the ones who need to be prepared mentally for the toughest challenges.
Tatum-Brown Connection Carrying the Celtics
We are definitely positive that many Celtics fans are cursing the day when their franchise gave supermassive contracts to Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker, instead of tying up Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown long-term.
Hayward’s injuries made him an average player, while on the other side, Kemba’s inconsistency is something that hurts the Cs a lot. On the other side, both Tatum and Brown don’t have such oscillations. In the last game, they combined for 59 points, leading their team to a much-needed victory.
Having these guys at the same level in the next match is imperative for Brad Stevens because if one of them fails to score 25+ points, Boston’s chances for winning are radically dropping.
Prediction
Over/Under limit here is 213.5 points, and we don’t think that the circumstances are going favor seeing an efficient match here. A lot is at stake, which is why we suggest betting on under. Tough defenses, long possessions, and pressure, all these factors will decrease the number of points in Sunday’s matchup
Pick: Under 213.5
