Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics 5/17/2023 Free Picks, Game Analysis and Tips
East Finals – Game 1
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics will face off in the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night at TD Garden. The eighth-seeded Heat, who have split their first six road playoff games, rank fifth in offensive efficiency during the postseason. Miami recently secured a 96-92 home victory over the New York Knicks, holding them to 38 percent shooting. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists while Bam Adebayo added 23 points and nine rebounds.
The Heat is averaging 113.3 points on 46.9 percent shooting and allowing 108.8 points on 45.5 FG percent shooting. SF Jimmy Butler is averaging 31.1 points and 6.6 rebounds while Center Bam Adebayo is averaging 18.1 points and 9.2 rebounds. PG Gabe Vincent is the third double-digit scorer and SG Max Strus is grabbing 3.5 rebounds. Miami is shooting 36.8 percent from beyond the arc and 79.3 percent from the free throw line. The Miami Heat are allowing 33.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.3 rebounds per game.
- The total went OVER in 8 of the Heat’s last 11 games.
- The Miami Heat is 7-2 SU in their last 9 games.
- The total hung OVER in 8 of Miami’s last 9 games on the road.
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics 5/17/2023 Free Picks, Game Analysis and Tips
The Boston Celtics, who lead the playoffs in offensive efficiency, are aiming to make their second consecutive trip to the NBA Finals. In their Game Seven Eastern Conference Semifinals victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics outscored their opponents 33-10 in the third quarter. The team made 15 of their 33 three-point attempts and shot 47 percent overall. Jayson Tatum had a monster game, putting up 51 points and 13 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown chipped in 25 points and six rebounds. The Celtics held the 76ers to just 37 percent shooting.
The Celtics are averaging 115.5 points on 48.7 percent shooting and allowing 108.3 points on 44.3 percent shooting. SF Jayson Tatum is averaging 28.2 points and 10.6 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.6 points and 3.4 assists. PG Marcus Smart is the third double-digit scorer and PG Malcolm Brogdon is grabbing 4.1 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 39.5 percent from beyond the arc and 82.1 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 35.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44 rebounds per game.
- The Boston Celtics are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games at home.
- The total went OVER in 8 of Boston’s last 10 games at home against Miami.
- Boston is 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games with an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics. The NBA’s pick is the Boston Celtics. Miami SG Tyler Herro suffered a broken right hand and could return if the team reaches the NBA Finals. These two teams split their four meetings during the regular season, with both games on Boston going over the total. Look for the Celtics to win the series opener in a game that goes over the total. Final Score Prediction, Boston Celtics win 112-105.
NBA Starting Time: 8:30 PM ET
Location: TD Garden in Boston, MA
Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2023
TV: TNT
NBA ODDS: Boston Celtics -8
NBA TOTALS: 210.5
