Will the Boston Celtics earn a much-needed victory on the road in Game 3, or will the Miami Heat take a commanding 3-0 series lead? Our Celtics vs. Heat prediction is based on the best NBA odds.
After a come-from-behind victory in Game 2, the Miami Heat are now up 2-0 on the Boston Celtics with two games at home in South Beach. The Celtics desperately need a win in Game 3, and the team will surely come out with a sense of urgency on Sunday.
Jimmy Butler and the Heat can go up 3-0 (a mark that has never been overcome in NBA playoff history) with a win, and we're counting on a phenomenal back-and-forth battle in this one as Butler and Jayson Tatum go head-to-head. Get the popcorn ready.
Here is our best Celtics vs. Heat prediction (odds via DraftKings; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Celtics vs. Heat prediction
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Are oddsmakers, fans, and the media finally going to quit counting the Heat out? After a strong Game 1 victory on the road, the visiting Heat were 10-point dogs to the Celtics in Game 2. Miami kept it close until a decisive fourth quarter tipped the scale in its favor. Up 2-0 and playing in front of the home crowd, the Heat are still 3-point dogs, and Butler will surely use that underdog status to fuel him in Game 3.
Butler had another strong showing in Game 3, delivering nine of his 27 points in the fourth quarter. After a Grant Williams 3-pointer, the Heat were down 96-87 with 6:22 to play. Williams took the opportunity to bark at Butler, and Miami closed on a 24-9 run to steal the victory.
Butler has averaged 31.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists through 12 games this postseason, clearing this line five times and finishing with at least 40 in two other contests. That includes hitting at least 41 in each game against Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals. Butler hit this mark in eight of 17 games during the 2022 playoffs, including three of seven against Boston. During the regular season, Butler averaged 36 PRA at home compared to 32.1 on the road.
There's a lot driving Butler this postseason. His team's status as the No. 8 seed and the perpetual underdog, his desire to get to another NBA Finals, and his desire to beat Boston after losing in seven to the Celtics during last year's ECF.
Miami has Boston on its heels right now, and Butler surely knows that the C's will come out swinging in a desperate Game 3. He can put his team up 3-0 with a dominant perform ance in front of the home crowd, and that's what we're banking on. It's all gas, no brakes for Butler.
Celtics vs. Heat best odds
| DraftKings | FanDuel | BetMGM | Caesars | PointsBet |
| Butler Over 41.5 PRA | Butler Over 41.5 PRA | Butler Over 41.5 PRA | Butler Over 41.5 PRA | Butler Over 41.5 PRA |
| -110 | -115 | -110 | -115 | -115 |
Two of our best sports betting apps offer this one at standard -110 odds, while three of them offer it at -115. You can get the most favorable odds at DraftKings or BetMGM, so take the wager to your preferred book.
Celtics vs. Heat odds
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Celtics vs. Heat odds analysis
Despite losing two in a row at home, the Celtics are 3.5-point favorites on the road for Game 3 via the best sports betting sites. Boston is 20-20 ATS as the road favorite, while the Heat are 5-2 ATS as the home dog. Miami has looked like the better team in each of the first two games, and bettors have taken notice, with 62% of wagers placed on the Heat to cover.
The point total is a modest 213.5 at the best sportsbooks, and b ettors have laid 70% of wagers on the Over. The Heat are 4-3 to the Over as home dogs this season, and the team has hit the Over in 10 of 13 playoff games. The Celtics are 19-20-1 to the Under as the road favorite and have hit the Over in 10 of 15 playoff games.
Celtics vs. Heat game info
- Date: Sunday, May 21, 8:30 p.m. ET
- TV: TNT
- Location: Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Celtics-Heat pick made 05/20/2023 at 7:20 a.m. ET.
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