The Miami Heat visit the Boston Celtics Sunday in Game 1 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series. Tip from TD Garden is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Heat vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: Celtics won 3-0
Despite missing leading scorer F Jimmy Butler, who suffered an MCL tear in the previous game, the Heat took down the Chicago Bulls 112-91 Friday in a play-in game — and covered as 2-point home favorites — to earn the right to play as the No. 8 seed in the East. G Tyler Herro'scored a game-high 24 points with a team-high 10 rebounds for a double-double. Four Miami players scored in double figures, while the team shot 46.3% from the field in the win.
Boston ended its season with back-to-back wins after beating the Wizards 132-122 April 14 to push as a 10-point home favorite in a game that didn’t affect the standings. G Payton Pritchard'scored a game-high 38 points while dishing out 12 assists — also a game-high — for a double-double. Five Celtics players scored in double figures, while the team shot 57.3% from the field in the win.