Back
Back

Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Game 1 Betting Preview

By Nick Fata
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) reacts after a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center.
© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
  • Playoffs Game 1
    05/17 8:45 PM ET
    Spread
    ML
    Score
    535BOSBOS(2)
    203.5
    155
    107
    536MIAMIA(1)
    -4
    -175
    118

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals tips off tonight as the Boston Celtics face off against the Miami Heat. The Celtics moved on after an exhilarating seven game series vs the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat were able to take down the 76ers in six games, and have been awaiting this matchup for a few days now. 

Game 1 tips off from American Airlines Arena in Miami at 8:30 pm ET on ESPN.

Key Injuries

Marcus Smart is listed as questionable tonight for the Celtics, while Kyle Lowry will miss Game 1 for Miami with a hamstring injury.

The Betting Angles: 

Tonight’s line opens with the Heat as -2 point favorites, and -130 on the moneyline. The Celtics are +2 and are +110 to win outright. 

Why the Heat can win and cover -2: 

Miami has had time to rest and recover before starting this conference finals series. Miami is 4-0 against the spread this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest. The Heat also are yet to lose a home game in the playoffs, and they find themselves on their home court here in Game 1 tonight. Miami’s three point shooting is spectacular, as they led the league in three point shooting this season at 37.9 percent. The Heat have been stifling on the defensive end as well, and will be ready to shut down Jayson Tatum and the Celtics tonight. Expect high energy and intensity from Miami in what could potentially lead them to a 1-0 series lead. 

Why the Celtics can win and cover +2:

Bostons defense is the best in the league. While it took everything they had to slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, the Heat don’t necessarily have an unstoppable force on the offensive end like Giannis who can cause them as many problems. Jayson Tatum is an undeniable superstar, who’s averaged 28.3 ppg in these playoffs. The Celtics shot the ball extremely well just two days ago in Game 7 against the Bucks, so if they keep that momentum going they could sneak away with a Game One victory. 

The Pick: Take Miami -2

The Heat are well rested and have home court advantage for Game 1 tonight. Boston just had quite the long series against Milwaukee and may be reeling in terms of energy to keep up with the Heat. Take Miami -2 tonight as they’ll keep their home winning streak alive to grab an early series lead. 

Latest Videos

View all
Ads