Prediction and Best Bet Heat vs Celtics Game 1: Will the Celtics take Game 1 in Style?
Written by: Daniel Collins
Last Update: Wed May 17, 2023, 12:28 pm ET
Read Time: 6 minutes
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The NBA Conference Finals got off to a fantastic start last night as the Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets were able to take Game 1 in Denver against LeBron James and the Lakers in the West.
Tonight, all eyes turn to Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals tipping off in Boston as the Celtics and the Miami Heat go blow for blow for a chance to go to the NBA Finals.
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3 of the last 4 Eastern Conference Finals have featured these two teams and both will get yet another chance to book their ticket to the NBA Finals.
It all tips off tonight in TD Garden and we have you covered with all the action for Game 1 on TNT!
- Important Game 1 Information
- Game 1 Prediction and Best Bet
- Player Prop of the Game
Let's dive in!
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Game 1
- Game Date and Time: Wednesday, May 17th, 2023. 8:30 PM EST
- Game Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA
- Where to Watch: TNT
Spread
- Celtics -8 (-110)
- Heat +8 (-110)
MoneyLine
- Celtics (-375)
- Heat (+270)
Total
- Over 211 (-110)
- Under 211 (-110)
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Prediction for Celtics vs Heat
Just like the Western Conference Finals, the Eastern conference Finals feature two teams who had very different roads to get here.
The 2 seed Celtics were able to handle their business against the Hawks in 6 games and the Sixers in the full 7 games to make it back to the ECF in back to back years.
The Heat on the other hand had to survive both play in games just to sneak into the playoffs. But after that, it has been all business.
The Heat shocked by sending the top Seed bucks packing in Round 1 in 5 games and then buried the Knicks in 6 to make it right back to the ECF for the 3rd time in 4 years.
Both the Heat and the Celtics have been carried by their superstars at one point or another this playoffs, as Jayson Tatum and Jimmy Butler have put in some historic performances.
Jayson Tatum set the record for most points recorded in a Game 7 in NBA history against the Sixers, dropping a massive 51 points to lead the Celtics to a huge win.
Jimmy Butler has been fantastic for Miami all playoffs long, recording 56 and 42 point performances in Round 1 against the Bucks and flirting with a triple double almost every game in Round 2 against the Knicks.
It will be a showdown of both studs all series long and it starts tonight. The stars shined brightly last night to kick things off in Denver and I think we see a similar script in this series tonight in Boston.
Best Bet for Celtics vs Heat
The Celtics are a tough team to cap at times, as they always have the ability to blow anyone out but conversely have the ability to play down to opponents, especially at home.
But with a big spread to start Game 1 and the Celtics coming off of that cruising performance in Game 7, I am going to ride with the Celtics to start the series with a bang and take Game 1 in style.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and company will want to start the series hot and send a message to Butler and Miami.
I think they do just that and cover the spread.
Give me the Celtics to win in style.
Celtics -8 (-110) Bovada Sportsbook
Player Prop for Heat vs Celtics
Jayson Tatum o9.5 Rebounds (-120) BetMGM
I know what you are thinking. The guy just dropped 51 points so why on earth aren't we targeting his points here?
Well, his rebounding numbers are too good to pass up.
Tatum has 10+ rebounds in 4 of his last 5 games and 6 of his last 8.
He also has 10+ in 3 straight matchups with the Heat this season and I expect a similar performance again tonight.
He has 12+ in 2 of his last 4 games and two straight versus Miami as well. Love the value there for a small unit play.
Bonus: Tatum 12+ Rebounds (+210) BetOnline
Enjoy all of the Conference Finals! There are some great matchups to take in.
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Daniel Collins is a sports fanatic and data-driven bettor. He has expertise in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. He’s a big fan of the Titans #titanup, Predators #predators and Arsenal #coyg. If he isn’t watching, betting on or writing about sports, he loves the outdoors, traveling, strong coffee and delicious food. You can follow him on X @SweatpantJesus. Peace and Love
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