The Boston Celtics (34-10) take on the Miami Heat (24-20) Thursday with tip-off from Kaseya Center set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Celtics vs. Heat odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: Celtics lead 1-0
The Celtics continue their road trip after taking down the Dallas Mavericks 119-110 Monday. They covered as 2.5-point favorites and have won 5 of 6. F Jayson Tatum shrugged off recent struggles with 39 points, 11 boards and 5 assists. He had averaged 20.8 points on 35.8% shooting the previous 4 games. The Celtics won the 1st matchup against Miami 119-111 Oct. 27.
The Heat laid an absolute egg with a 105-96 home loss to the injury-depleted Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. We managed to cash 2 of 3 wagers as the Grizzlies covered a +9.5, and the Under 212.5 cruised. The Heat have dropped 4 straight games. F Jimmy Butler has been wildly inconsistent, and you have to wonder if the injuries he has battled are taking a toll this season. His last 6 games, he has scored: 8, 31, 16, 25, 15 and 15.