The Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat are gearing up for a thrilling Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round NBA Playoffs matchup on Saturday, with the series currently standing at an intense 1-1.
In the series’ first game, the Celtics won 114-94. Jayson Tatum was the standout performer for the Celtics with a triple-double, scoring 23 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and providing 10 assists.
In the Game 2 at the TD Garden, the Heat bounced back to win 111-101. Tyler Herro led the Heat, scoring 24 points, grabbing five rebounds, and providing 14 assists. Caleb Martin and Bam Adebayo also had impressive performances, both scoring 21 points. Adebayo also had 10 rebounds to his name.
Despite the absence of key players Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, who have been ruled out for Game 3, the Heat have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
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East First-Round: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Game 3 predictions
New York Post: Pick Miami Heat
Andrew Norton writes: “The Heat’s play in Game 2 was essentially perfect. They hit an astonishing 23 of their 43 3-point attempts (53.5%). Don’t expect Miami to hit that percentage again. Still, the Celtics did allow the sixth-most wide-open 3s (6-plus feet) this season, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Heat continue to hoist from beyond the arc whenever Bam Adebayo doesn’t have the ball in isolation situations. The Celtics coach indicated that most of Miami’s 3-point makes were “moderately to heavily contested,” which is not what the analytics show. If the Celtics don’t funnel shooters inside the arc, Miami could shoot a high percentage from deep again.”
Winners and Whiners: Take the Boston Celtics
Craig Forde writes: “Boston beat the Heat in pretty much every other aspect of the game on Wednesday, so it’s just a matter of flipping the script from beyond the arc, which they are well-suited to do. The average margin of victory in Boston’s two wins in Miami this season were 18.5 points per game. Take Boston giving the points.”
Covers: Back the Boston Celtics
Rohit Ponnaiya writes: “The Heat haven’t benefitted much from home-court advantage this season, going 17-25 ATS and ranking 22nd in opponent effective field goal percentage (55.5%). The Celtics have a bevy of scoring weapons and boast an NBA-best 56.6 eFG% on the road. Back the Celtics in a bounce-back spot here.”
ESPN: Boston Celtics have a 71% chance to win
According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Boston Celtics have a 71.2% chance to beat the Miami Heat in Game 3.
East First-Round: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Game 3 odds, betting lines
The Boston Celtics is favored to defeat the Miami Heat in Game 3according to the BetMGM odds.
- Spread: Boston (-9.5)
- Moneylines: Boston (-440); Miami (+340)
- Total Over/Under: 201.5 (-115/-105)
- Series Winner: Boston (-2000); Miami (+1000)
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East First-Round: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat schedule
| Games | Location | Dates/Times | TV/Streaming |
| Game 1 | TD Garden, Boston, MA | Sunday, April 21 at 1:00 pm ET | ABC, ESPN+ |
| Game 2 | TD Garden, Boston, MA | Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm ET | TNT, Fubo |
| Game 3 | Kaseya Center, Miami, FL | Saturday, April 27 at 6:00 pm ET | TNT, Fubo |
| Game 4 | Kaseya Center, Miami, FL | Monday, April 29 at TBD | TBD |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | TD Garden, Boston, MA | Wednesday, May 1 at TBD | TBD |
| Game 6(If necessary) | Kaseya Center, Miami, FL | Friday, May 3 at TBD | TBD |
| Game 7(If necessary) | TD Garden, Boston, MA | Sunday, May 5 at TBD | TBD |
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