The 2023 Eastern Conference Finals returns to the TD Garden as the Boston Celtics host the Miami Heat in Game 5 on Thursday night. The Celtics had their backs to the wall after falling 0-3 in the series. Boston outscored Miami 116-99 on Tuesday to keep the series alive. The Celtics must defend their home court to continue their season and have a chance to become the first team in NBA history to erase a 0-3 deficit in the playoffs.
The Boston TD Garden game will begin at 8:30 PM ET. Boston is an 8.5-point favorite in the latest Celtics vs. Heat by Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total runs scored is 215.5. Before making any choices between the Heat and the Celtics, be sure to check out what proven SportsLine NBA pundit Matthew Severance has to say.
Matt Severance is a well-connected writer and handicapper who has been in the industry since 2005. After joining SportsLine, Matt quickly established himself as a leading expert across multiple sports. In his last 160 NBA picks, he is 105-54-1 against the spread, returning $3,650 for $100 players.
Now, Severance has set its sights on Heat vs. Celtics and just locked down his NBA playoff picks and predictions. You can go to SportsLine now to see Severance’s picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Celtics vs. Heat:
- Heat vs. Celtics: Celtics -8.5
- Heat vs Celtics over/under: 215.5 points
- Heat vs. Celtics: Miami +250, Boston -320
- MIA: The Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last six games after an ATS loss
- BOS: The Celtics are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games on Thursday
- Heat vs. Celtics picks: See picks on SportsLine
Featured game | Boston Celtics versus Miami Heat
Because heat can cover
Forward Jimmy Butler continues to be the best player on the field for Miami. Butler has the instincts and grit to consistently find him spots on the floor. The six-time All-Star possesses a dependable jumper with good playmaking skills. He is leading the team in points (29.9), assists (5.6) and steals (2.1) during the 2023 NBA playoffs. In his last outing, Butler finished with 29 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Center Bam Adebayo is a force in the frontcourt. Adebayo can finish with both hands on the basket and will rise above the rim for slams. The Kentucky product also bounces very well. He currently leads the team in scores (8.9) with 17.6 points per game in the postseason. In Game 2, Adebayo had 22 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists. Find out which team to choose here.
Because the Celtics can cover
Forward Jayson Tatum was a fantastic goal threat. Tatum uses his size and handles to create space from defenders at any level on the pitch. The four-time All-Star offers tremendous rebounding ability in the frontcourt. Tatum leads the team in both points (28.1) and rebounds (10.5) in the postseason. In Game 4 he had 33 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Guard Derrick White is a good playmaker in the backcourt. White gives Boston a consistent and reliable shooter on the perimeter. The Colorado product is averaging 12.6 points and two assists per game while shooting 45% from downtown. He has knocked down at least three 3-pointers in four consecutive games. On Tuesday, White had 16 points, two steals and went 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Find out which team to choose here.
How to make choices between the Heat and the Celtics
Severance is leaning on the point total and has identified a critical X-factor that he says makes one side of the spread a must. You can only find out what it is and see which side of the Heat vs. spread. Celtics, on SportsLine.
Who wins Heat against the Celtics and what critical x-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Heat vs. Celtics you need to skip Thursday, everything from the expert who returned players over $3,650 to $100 in his last 160 NBA picks and find out.
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