Boston Celtics fans were treated to a dream scenario during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat Monday night. Without Marcus Smart, the Cs got seven straight points from Derrick White to kick the scoring off for both teams and gave a single point throughout the first seven minutes.
Game 4 was almost never competitive, with the Boston defense stifling Miami in a way that should have Heat fans scared. Remember, the Celtics were missing their reigning Defensive Player of the Year and still clamped the Heat defensively in the first quarter:
The Celtics dominated the Heat from the opening tip in Game 4 to even the #NBAPlayoffs series.
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) May 24, 2022
Miami missed its first 14 shots and didn’t make its first field goal until 3:21 remained in the first quarter. Read more from @JeffZillgitt here --> https://t.co/DRmbMEHKZU pic.twitter.com/BJ3cvDerxO
Momentum has not carried over from one game to a next throughout this series so far, and Miami maintains home-court advantage for the series. For those thinking the Celtics have the definitive advantage, think again.
Can Boston beat the Heat in Game 5 and set up a series-closing Game 6 at home, or will Miami force the Celtics up against the wall with their season on the line Friday night?
Hardwood Houdini has your odds and a prediction for the ESPN-televised tilt between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat Wednesday night:
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBet, the Celtics are 1.5-point favorites against the Heat on the road. Miami is a +105 underdog at home, with the Cs moneyline set at -125. The over/under for the game has been placed at 203 points.
Celtics vs. Heat prediction
That’s a low over/under total. It’s shocking to see the Celtics favored in Game 5, but seeing both teams fall short of the 203 point threshold would be even more surprising.