Game 1: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat prediction, odds, TV channel

Has the toughest obstacle been already overcome for the Boston Celtics in their pursuit of Banner 18 with the Milwaukee Bucks in the rearview mirror? It’s possible, but let’s not overlook the Miami Heat and exalt them to that status.

2020 was not long ago, though the circumstances of that postseason make it an almost different category than what this coming series will be.

The Cs will play at least two games in the friendly confines of the T.D. Garden. Alternatively, they’ll be visiting the FTX Arena in South Beach for the first two games, fifth (if it gets there), and seventh (if this is a chaos playoff) as well.

This isn’t a Mickey Mouse matchup.

What is it, then? In a nutshell, a Celtics squad coming off a major prove-it series for Ime Udoka, who has now conquered the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving duo and the reigning NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami is a star-led team with shooting-focused role players that (in theory) is easier to contain than the Bucks were, since Milwaukee’s defense has proven to be championship worthy (albeit with a healthy Khris Middleton).

So with the Eastern Conference finals coming Tuesday night, where does Hardwood Houdini stand on how things may go?

Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat odds, spread, over/under

According to WynnBet, the Celtics are 2-point underdogs against the Heat on the road. Miami is a -130 favorite at home, with the Cs moneyline set at +110. The over/under for the game has been placed at 206 points.

Celtics vs. Heat prediction

As you can tell, the Houdini is confident in Boston winning this series based more so on what Ime Udoka has accomplished with this group and even more so from the 2-1 regular season edge and +39 point differential.

A Game 1 loss wouldn’t shock us, but the over hitting would. One of these teams figures to get clamped down on in the ECF’s first collision.