Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat 5/21/2023 Free Picks, Game Analysis and Tips
East Finals – Game 3, MIA leads series 2-0
The Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat will clash in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Kaseya Center. The Celtics, seeded second, have shown their strength on the road this postseason, winning four out of their first six away games. Their offensive efficiency ranks them second in the league. However, in a surprising turn of events, Boston suffered a 111-105 loss at home to Miami on Friday, despite holding a 12-point lead at the half.
Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ All-Star forward, delivered an outstanding performance in the previous game, leading the team with 34 points on 10-of-20 shooting. He also contributed 13 rebounds and eight assists. On the other hand, the All-Star guard Jaylen Brown struggled with his shooting, going 7-of-23 from the field and finishing with 16 points. Boston’s struggles extended beyond individual performances, as they had a tough time finding success from beyond the arc, missing 25 of their 35 three-point attempts and shooting 47 percent overall.
Throughout the season, the Boston Celtics have showcased a potent offensive attack, averaging 114.9 points on 48.8 percent shooting. Their defense has also been solid, holding opponents to 109.5 points on 45 percent shooting. Tatum has been a standout performer, averaging 28.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, while Brown has contributed 23.9 points and 3.5 assists. Marcus Smart has provided additional scoring with double-digit averages, and Malcolm Brogdon has made his presence felt on the boards, averaging 3.9 rebounds per game. The Celtics have been efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 38.6 percent, and reliable from the free-throw line, hitting 81.9 percent of their attempts. Defensively, they have limited opponents to 36.3 percent shooting from deep and have been strong on the glass, averaging 42.7 rebounds per game.
- The total hung OVER in 10 of Boston’s last 12 games on the road.
- The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last five games on the road against Miami.
- The total went OVER in 5 of Boston’s last seven games with a team in the East.
- The Boston Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their previous five games played on a Sunday.
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat 5/21/2023 Free Picks, Game Analysis and Tips
On the opposing side, the Miami Heat have established a commanding 2-0 lead in the series and are riding a five-game winning streak at home. Their resilience was fully displayed in Game Two, as they engineered an impressive comeback from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The eighth-seeded Heat finished the game with a stunning 22-9 run, securing a crucial victory. They showcased their proficiency at the free-throw line, converting 18 of their 19 attempts, and outrebounded the Celtics by a significant margin of 45-35.
In the previous game, guard/forward Jimmy Butler led the charge for the Miami Heat, pouring in 27 points on 12-of-25 shooting while also grabbing eight rebounds. Caleb Martin significantly impacted off the bench, contributing 25 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting in his 37 minutes on the court. All-Star center Bam Adebayo displayed versatility, registering an impressive stat line of 22 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists.
Throughout the season, the Miami Heat have exhibited an average scoring output of 113.8 points on 47.3 percent shooting, while their opponents have averaged 109.1 points on 46.1 percent shooting. Butler has been a pivotal contributor, averaging 31.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while Adebayo has provided steady production with 18.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Caleb Martin has emerged as a valuable third double-digit scorer, and Gabe Vincent has made contributions on the boards, averaging 1.6 rebounds per game. The Heat have been adequate from beyond the arc, shooting 37.6 percent, and have maintained a solid free-throw shooting percentage of 80.3 percent. Defensively, they have stifled opponents, limiting them to just 33.5 percent shooting from deep while displaying strong rebounding with an average of 41.1 rebounds per game.
- The Miami Heat is 1-4 ATS in their last five games at home against Boston.
- Miami is 9-2 SU in their previous 11 games with an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
- The Heat is 7-2 ATS in their last nine games against an opponent in the Atlantic Division.
- The total went OVER in 5 of Miami’s last seven games played in May.
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat. The NBA Pick for this contest is Boston -1.5. Regrettably, Miami Heat shooting guard Tyler Herro has suffered a significant setback with a broken right hand. His availability for future games will hinge on the team’s progress in the NBA Finals. The Boston Celtics have encountered difficulties finishing games during their playoff run, but they possess an edge over the Heat in several crucial statistical areas. With their backs against the wall, the Celtics’ superior talent indicates that they will likely emerge triumphant and cover the spread in Game Three. The projected final score favors the Boston Celtics at 112-104.
NBA Starting Time: 8:30 PM ET
Location: FTX Arena in Miami, FL
Date: Sunday, May 21, 2023
TV: TNT
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Boston Celtics -1.5
NBA Totals: 216
