Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Predictions, Odds, Picks

• After ending their 4-game losing streak, the Miami Heat sit 1st in the Eastern Conference.
• After a disappointing loss, the Celtics’ stars are likely to return to the lineup when they host the Heat.
• The Celtics have won both games against the Heat this season.

Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Odds

Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Predictions and Pick

The Boston Celtics are coming off of an impressive loss, pushing one of the East’s best to their limit without Tatum, Williams, and Brown. In a crucial game, the Miami Heat’s veteran experience and advantage in the paint should help them to a win.

Pick:

Miami Heat def. Boston Celtics

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Head-to-Head: Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics

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How Can the Heat beat the Celtics?

The Miami Heat were fortunate to end their four-game losing streak, but they’ll be tested once again when they take on the Boston Celtics. If they hope to earn their first win against the Celtics, Miami must slow down Boston’s hot starts.

In the Celtics’ last game, they were able to get out to a brilliant start due to their pace and passing ability. The Celtics shot 56% in the first quarter of their last game, assisting on 9 of 14 field goals and making 6 three pointers.

Both Miami and Boston are solid at controlling the pace of the game, so whoever establishes themselves to open the game will put their team in the best position to win.

Heat Key Player: (C) Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo is one of one ?@MiamiHEAT | #HEATCulture pic.twitter.com/8A7GBALxQ7

— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) March 29, 2022

The Miami Heat should have the distinct advantage in the paint when they face the Celtics. With Robert Williams out, Bam Adebayo has free roam of the painted area.

In his last game, a blowout over the Kings, Adebayo was in fine form. He posted 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 steals on 10 of 16 shooting from the field. Adebayo was a team-leading plus-24 on the night.

The Celtics enter this game without big man Robert Williams, who was a lynchpin for the Celtics’ tough interior defence. Not much of a creator for himself, Adebayo needs to be effective finishing in order to take advantage of the shorthanded Celtics.

How Can the Celtics beat the Heat?

The Boston Celtics expect to have their star wing players back in the lineup when they face the Heat, but it certainly won’t be an easy matchup. To take down Miami, the Celtics need to up their defensive intensity.

Over the course of the Miami Heat’s recent four-game losing streak, they struggled on the glass while also losing the rebounding battle. Miami committed 14.3 turnovers and lost the rebounding battle by 7.5 through their losing streak.

Boston’s perimeter defence should improve with the return of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. While they’ll be outmatched in the paint, their wing players have proven more than capable of filling in when needed.

Celtics Key Player: (G) Marcus Smart

through contact ???? pic.twitter.com/tsm7LbvgOj

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 29, 2022

Coming off of one of his best games of the season, Marcus Smart looks in fine form to face another one of the East’s best teams. Already 2-0 against Miami this season, Smart’s attacking aggression could be valuable in this game.

In his last game, a narrow loss to the Toronto Raptors, Marcus Smart posted 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in 39 minutes of play. His aggressive nature on both ends caused great issues for the Raptors and their backcourt players.

Smart will be called on to maintain his defensive intensity, while contributing to the scoring column more than usual against the Heat. As he’ll play de facto point guard, Smart will need to focus on ball security as he committed 7 turnovers last time out.

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