The Boston Celtics will host the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the 2023 Eastern Conference finals on Thursday night. Boston finally secured a win in the last outing, blowing out the Heat 116-99. Miami is 5-1 against the spread in its last six games following an ATS loss. Meanwhile, the Over is 6-1 in the Celtics’ last seven games following an ATS win. Gabe Vincent (ankle) is out for Miami.
The game from TD Garden in Boston will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET. Boston is an 8-point favorite in the latest Celtics vs. Heat odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 215. Before making any Heat vs. Celtics picks, make sure you check out what proven SportsLine NBA expert Matthew Severance has to say.
Matt Severance is a well-connected writer and handicapper who has worked in the industry since 2005. After joining SportsLine, Matt quickly established himself as a top expert in multiple sports. Over his past 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 in his picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head 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
- Heat vs. Celtics over/under: 215 points
- Heat vs. Celtics money line: Miami +240, Boston -305
- MIA: Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss
- BOS: Celtics are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 Thursday games
- Heat vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game | Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
Why the Heat can cover
Forward Jimmy Butler continues to be the best player on the court for Miami. Butler has the instincts and grit to find his spots on the floor with consistently. The six-time All-Star owns a reliable jumper with good playmaking ability. He’s 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 either hand at the basket and will rise above the rim for slams. The Kentucky product also rebounds extremely well. He’s currently leading the team in boards (8.9) with 17.6 points per game in the postseason. In Game 2, Adebayo totaled 22 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists. See which team to pick here.
Why the Celtics can cover
Guard Jaylen Brown utilizes his athleticism and quickness to get downhill in a hurry. Brown has the strength to absorb contact in the lane and finish at the rim. The California product also plays superb defense on the perimeter. Brown ranks second on the team in points (22.8) with 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in the postseason. In his last contest, he totaled 17 points, four boards, and four assists.
Guard Marcus Smart always brings tremendous energy on both sides of the floor. Smart is a lights-out defender with amazing instincts and recovery ability. The Oklahoma State product is averaging 14.4 points, 1.1 steals and a team-high 5.5 assists per contest in the playoffs. In Game 4, Smart totaled 11 points, six assists, and two steals. See which team to pick here.
How to make Heat vs. Celtics picks
Severance is leaning Over on the point total, and he has identified a critical X-factor he says makes one side of the spread a must-back. You can only find out what it is, and see which side of the Heat vs. Celtics spread to back, at SportsLine.
Who wins Heat vs. 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 spread you need to jump on Thursday, all from the expert who has returned over $3,650 to $100 players over his last 160 NBA picks, and find out.
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News Summary:
- 2023 NBA Eastern Conference finals odds, Game 5 start time: Heat vs. Celtics picks, predictions by top expert
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