Bet on Celtics vs. Heat Game 5 With BetMGM for $1,000 Risk-Free

The Eastern Conference Finals will pick back up on Wednesday night for a crucial Game 5 when the visiting Boston Celtics clash with the Miami Heat. Coverage on ESPN begins at 8:30 p.m. ET from FTX Arena. 

In Game 4, the host Celtics bounced back to crush the Heat 102-82 to even the series at 2. The Celtics, who led by as many as 32, are now 5-0 this postseason after a defeat. Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum scored 31 points (14-of-16 on free throws) after struggling mightily with 10 points in Game 4. Tatum played through shoulder pain that he sustained in the fourth quarter of Game 4. 

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A pair of Celtics made solid contributions in their return to the lineup. Robert Williams registered 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Derrick White tallied 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block. 

The Celtics held a major advantage at the free throw line, converting 32 of their 38 attempts. The Heat in contrast only took 14 free throws and made eight. 

Celtics guard Marcus Smart missed his second game of the series, this time with a right ankle sprain that occurred in the second half. Smart and Robert Williams (left knee soreness) are questionable for Game 5. 

The Heat starters combined for just 18 points, the fewest amount for a starting five since recorded stats in 1970-71, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Heat superstar Jimmy Butler (six points, seven rebounds) returned after missing the entire second half of Game 4 due to right knee inflammation. The Heat made only 30 of its 90 field goals for 33.3 percent shooting. 

Tyler Herro, the Sixth Man of the Year, missed the contest with a groin injury and remains questionable for Game 5. Victor Oladipo led the Heat with 23 points and six assists off the bench. The Heat were blown out despite converting 14 3-pointers, six more than the Celtics. 

The Celtics are favored by 1.5 points vs. the host Heat in Game 5. This is the first time the Heat have been an underdog at home in these playoffs. The Heat are 7-1 SU and 6-2 against the spread at home during the postseason. The Heat are 14-6 SU overall in their last 20 games. Meanwhile, the Celtics are 14-5 against the spread in their last 19 overall games and 10-1 against the spread in their last 11 road contests. 

The over/under is set for 203.5 points for Game 5. During the postseason, the Heat are averaging 111.5 points at home and the Celtics are putting up 112 points per game on the road. The total has gone OVER in five of the Celtics’ last seven road contests at Miami. The total has also gone OVER in 10 of the last 14 meetings between the Celtics and Heat. Despite the total going UNDER in 10 of the last 15 games for the Heat, it seems reasonable to take the OVER once again. 

In a critical Game 5 that will send one team one win away from the NBA Finals, the two-point underdog Heat will muster enough to both cover the spread and protect home court to earn the victory. 

Written by Rolando Rosa, our US sports betting industry expert.