Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Game 2 at NBA
Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Game 2 at NBA
The Heat made a staggering start to the series, winning Game 1 in Boston and going against all the odds. Again we saw Jimmy Butler going crazy, delivering a superb performance and a couple of daggers that would break the hosts in the end. The Cs repeated their errors from the previous series, allowing them once again to lose at home, which is something many have been warning about. It seems that Joe Mazzulla’s crew likes to do their job the hard way.
Boston Celtics
The Cs had a very good shooting percentage, 51.9% from the field, but they collected just 34 boards in Game 1, one fewer than the rivals. That’s something we didn’t see often and the main reason for last night’s loss. Also, 15 turnovers is data that reveals a lack of focus and composure, so it isn’t odd to see this unit losing this contest.
Jayson Tatum scored 30 points with seven boards and was looking solid all night long. Though, he wasn’t there when needed the most. The same could be told for Jaylen Brown, who was out of his rhythm, having six turnovers, 10-for-21 from the field, and only one three in six attempts for 22 points.
Malcolm Brogdon played well off the bench with 19 points, while Marcus Smart scored 13 points, and Robert Williams had 14.
Miami Heat
We don’t need to speak too much about Butler and his performances in the playoffs. We all know that Playoff Jimmy is a different kind of animal compared to the regular part of the year.
We saw Miami’s superstar last night drop 35 buckets and hit all the crucial attempts throughout the game. The Heat were behind 12 points before halftime and shortly into the third period, which was when he took over. Butler had five boards, seven assists and six steals, a contribution worthy of acknowledging.
Bam Adebayo scored 20 points with eight boards, while four players had exactly 15 buckets – Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Caleb Martin, and Kyle Lowry.
Game 1 concluded 123-116 for the Heat. The result in the seasonal series was tied at two wins apiece. Celtics won the first two meetings, one in Florida, 111-104, and 134-121 at home, and the Heat responded, 120-116 at the TD Garden and 98-95 at the Miami Dade Arena.
The over/under line is at 215.5 points, and as we see, the head-to-head games in Boston are much more efficient than those in Miami, and two of three went above this limit, while one fell short for half a point, which is why we would pick Over.
Our verdict: Over 215.5 points