The Boston Celtics will face the Miami Heat on Sunday at the Kasia Center in Miami. This will be the third meeting between the two teams, with the Celtics leading 2–0. It is also the first game of a two-game Sunday NBA schedule. Boston is currently at the top of the Eastern Conference and is coming off a 133-129 win against the Washington Wizards on Friday. Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were notable, combining for 89 points, 28 rebounds and 13 assists. Meanwhile, the Heat remain in eighth place in the Eastern Conference after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 116-104 at home on Wednesday. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo combined for 44 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, while Jimmy Butler had a triple double.
Preview
The match is highly anticipated, with both teams fully healthy, playing well and achieving consecutive wins. The Celtics have a 15-9 record on the road, while the Heat have a 15-12 record at home. The Celtics have been effective and consistent all season. This can be attributed to their new additions from the offseason, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, who have combined for a +12.2 net rating. The Celtics have the highest offensive rating of 121.3 and a net rating of +9.6, including the third-ranked defensive rating of 111.8.
Meanwhile, the Heat have played with a strong defense at 114.0, which is ninth on 37.2% 3-point shooting and 12th in the standings. With the addition of Terry Rozier, who is averaging 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists, their offense has increased from 107.2 to 116.0.
Starting lineup
For the Celtics, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis will be the starting five. Meanwhile for the Heat, Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin and Bam Adebayo will start the game.
Betting tips & Prediction
Jayson Tatum is averaging 27.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 47.3% shooting. His point prop is set at over/under 26.5 and he is not favored to exceed or reach this mark. Jimmy Butler is averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 50.0% shooting. His point prop is set at over/under 19.5 points and is favorable to surpass or reach this mark. Jaylen Brown is averaging 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 49.5 % shooting. His point prop is set at over/under 18.5 and he is not favored to exceed or reach this mark.
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The Boston Celtics are favored to win despite playing on the road. They are favored at a -5.5 point spread and -210 on the moneyline. The Celtics are expected to go above the 226 total, while the Heat are favored to go under 226.5.
