Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Celtics have now lost three in a row and face their toughest test yet.
• The Heat have translated on-court success into the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
• Miami have won two of their last three meetings with Boston.

Celtics vs Heat Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

The Boston Celtics are struggling and all signs point to their effort and cohesion as a unit. The Heat on the other hand are selfless, focused, and ruthless toward any opponent. The Celtics stars may have a big night, but it’ll be Miami’s team effort that leads them to victory.

Picks:

Miami Heat def. Boston Celtics (-300)

Check out our NBA betting bonuses and promo codes here!

Head-to-Head: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat

BOS: What Can the Bench Provide?

The Celtics are incredibly reliant on their starters to carry them through a game. They’re not a very deep team, but more is expected out of certain bench players in their efforts.

The trio of Josh Richardson, Dennis Schroder, and Grant Williams posted an average plus-minus of -17 in their last game – a loss to the Chicago Bulls. While they contributed 20 points, it was on a dreadful 6 of 19 shooting.

Head coach Ime Udoka has tried to stagger the playing time of his stars so that they can support the bench unit, but to little success. Boston needs their reserve unit to contribute, especially with “Celtics killer” Tyler Herro leading the opposition’s reserves.

Celtics Key Player: (G) Jaylen Brown

10 CONSECUTIVE POINTS FROM @FCHWPO pic.twitter.com/m9QjCtn7wE

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 2, 2021

The Boston Celtics seem dysfunctional at the moment, but rising to the top through their struggles is Jaylen Brown. The Celtics co-star seems to be the true star now, taking over for Tatum in terms of team scoring.

Brown is coming off of a game where he posted 28 points 7 rebounds, and 3 assists on 10 of 18 shooting from the field. While the Celtics lost their last game, Brown was the sole starter to post a positive net rating on the game.

The Heat are tremendous defensively, so Brown will need to be creative when finding his opportunities. Considering the Heat can switch at multiple positions, Brown’s playmaking will also be put to the test.

MIA: Get Off to a Strong Start

The Miami Heat are facing a supposed underdog in the Boston Celtics. However due to the level of talent that Tatum and Brown individually possess, the Heat need to press the issue.

The Heat are coming off of a game where they grew as the game went on. They’ll want to get off to a stronger start against the Celtics, and take them out of the game early.

Pushing the pace will be priority number one, despite the fact that Miami rank in the bottom third in terms of pace. Boston have good rim protectors, so getting out in transition to pile on points can swing the game in Miami’s favor.

Heat Key Player: (G) Kyle Lowry

After win #5 in a row, Kyle Lowry speaks on adapting quickly to the @MiamiHEAT system! pic.twitter.com/oC6zoSurOr

— NBA (@NBA) November 3, 2021

The wing play of the Boston Celtics is fantastic, but the edge at the point guard position is heavily in the favor of the Heat due to the stellar play of Kyle Lowry.

The perennial All-Star is coming off of a great game against the Dallas Mavericks. Lowry was a +9 on the evening while posting 22 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds on 7 of 10 shooting from the field. When he’s knocking down threes the Heat are difficult to beat, as Lowry was 6 of 9 from three in his last game.

The Celtics can score the ball, so how Lowry manipulates their defence will determine the success of the Heat.

How to Watch Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat