Boston Celtics at Miami Heat Pick

The Miami Heat (38-39) and the Boston Celtics (46-32) will face off in an Eastern Conference clash on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019. The tip is set for 7:30 PM ET and will be televised for audiences on FSN and NBA TV. The Celtics enter on a two-game winning streak against the Heat. The two outfits last met in Beantown two days ago where Boston defeated Miami by a score of 110-105. The Heat were able to foster their fourth consecutive cover against the Celtics closing as a seven-point underdog.

Boston Celtics at Miami Heat Overview

Boston Celtics

The Celtics find themselves deadlocked with the Indiana Pacers for the fourth and fifth seed in the Eastern Conference bracket. Despite going 3-1 SU in their previous four outings, the Celtics have failed to produce a cover in three consecutive games.

Miami Heat

Previous to their brush with Boston, the Heat came into the contest on a two-game winning streak against the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks. At the moment, the Heat are fighting for survival as the Orlando Magic trail them by half of a game for the Southeast Conference lead and the final seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The Heat remains half of a game behind the seventh seed Detroit.

Reasons To Avoid Boston

The Celtics have been a let-down artist against the spread when facing the Heat as of late. When the game has taken place in Miami, the Celtics are riding a two-game losing streak. All of these variables make Boston a prime fade target in this market. Despite this narrative, the Celtics could easily find themselves overvalued here because it is nearly playoff time and many high hopes are surrounding this franchise.

Reasons To Back Miami

Miami owns an edge in the rebounding department compared to the Celtics. The Heat average 47.2 total rebounds per game (2nd in the NBA) compared to Boston’s 44.5 total boards per game (22nd in the league). In addition to this narrative, the Heat also bode an advantage in their bench operations as they can work a 4.5-point difference in average to their favor. Boston’s bench scores an average of 38.8 points per game while Miami scores 43.3 bench points per game. Then, of course, there is the defensive edge that Miami owns with the number three scoring defense in the NBA at 105.6 points per contest. Boston’s defense sits eighth in the league at a respectable 108 points per match. All of these variables will be essential toward Miami’s fight to keep its postseason hopes afloat.