Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Game 5 Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Celtics are coming off of a blowout victory in Game 4
• The Heat return home after dropping Game 4 to bring the series level
• The Celtics and Heat are tied 2-2 in this Eastern Conference Finals series

Celtics vs Heat Game 5 Odds

Head-to-Head: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat

Injury Report

How Can the Celtics Beat the Heat?

The Boston Celtics can take control of the series with a win in Game 5. If there’s anything they’ll want to carry over from their Game 4 performance, it’s the intensity of their defence.

The Celtics were able to hold the Heat to just 33.3% shooting from the field through Game 4. Despite their own offensive struggles, their ability to get to the line and protect the paint helped build their lead.

Boston needs to bring the defensive intensity from the jump. Al Horford and Robert Williams have done a great job locking down the paint, allowing the Celtics guards to be aggressive defending the perimeter.

Celtics Key Player: (F) Jayson Tatum

man on a mission ?☘️ pic.twitter.com/3cGk3r1P85

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 24, 2022

Jayson Tatum successfully bounced back from his mediocre Game 3 performance with an excellent showing in Boston’s blowout victory in Game 4. His scoring ability set the tone for the entire game.

In Tatum’s Game 4 victory he posted 31 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks in 33 minutes of play. He shot 50% from the field, but was just 1 of 7 from three-point range. He made up for his long range shooting inefficiency with a 14 of 16 night from the free throw line.

The Boston Celtics have the upper hand when Tatum is engaged on the offensive side of the ball. How he sets the tone for the Celtics’ scoring, will determine their chances at success.

How Can the Heat Beat the Celtics?

The Miami Heat have no choice but to be engaged and efficient on offence. Their Game 4 showing was one of the worst through their 2022 NBA Playoff run, enough to make sportsbooks see Boston as the favorites.

In Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, the Miami Heat shot just 33.3% from the field, and 38.9% from three. Only 3 Heat players shot over 50% from the field on the day, with their starting five combining to shoot just 5 of 36 overall.

The Heat starters don’t only need to step up, but they need to excel. The Boston defence is confident that they can keep them out of the paint, and the Heat shooters have struggled all series.

Heat Key Player: (F) Jimmy Butler

HIM pic.twitter.com/RVrMC0b3BK

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 24, 2022

The Miami Heat struggled through the entirety of Game 4, with Jimmy Butler having his worst game of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. He’s carried the Heat through most of their run, and he’ll need to get back on track if they hope to retake the lead in the series.

Butler is coming off of a Game 4 performance where he posted a paltry 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist in just 27 minutes of play. With the game well out of hand by halftime, the Heat played Butler just 8 minutes in the second half.

It’s no secret as to what the Heat need from Butler. If he can get his offence going early, the odds are in Miami’s favor. If he has another quiet night, the Heat haven’t had the firepower to keep up with the Celtics.

How to Watch Celtics vs Heat Game 5