Celtics In the Hole but Gamblers Not Writing Them Off vs. Miami

If the Boston Celtics lose their Eastern Conference Finals series against Miami, game three will be the reason.  Boston was caught napping in the early stages of the game.  But the Celtics were given an early opportunity when Miami superstar Jimmy Butler left the game with an injured knee.  Despite the golden opportunity with the NBA Playoff odds, the Celtics flopped on their home court.  Adding insult to injury were 24 Boston turnovers.  Thus, the Celtics gift-wrapped what should have been an easy home win.  Can Boston recover?   Most important of all, will Jimmy Butler return to the series? 

2022 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Finals

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics

Heat vs. Celtics CashBet Series Odds:  Miami Heat -145 vs. Boston Celtics +115

Heat vs. Celtics Series Schedule

Game 4 – May 23 – Heat at Celtics – 8:30 p.m. ET – ABC

Game 5 – May 25 – Celtics at Heat – 8:30 p.m. ET – ESPN *

Game 6 – May 27 – Heat at Celtics – 8:30 p.m. ET – ESPN *

Game 7 – May 29 – Celtics at Heat – 8:30 p.m. ET – ESPN *

*=If Necessary

CashBet Series Odds Analysis – Gamblers Still Believe in Boston

On the whole, gamblers remain split in this top online sportsbook series.  Much of the Boston money is based on their status as a historical legacy franchise.  The Celtics rival the Lakers for having the NBA’s largest fanbase.  Additionally, Jimmy Butler’s tender knee drives more wagering action to the Celtics’ side.  Butler is considered day-to-day and could return for game four.  But that has not been confirmed either way.

Sharps See Miami as a Potential Value Play

Wise Guys will point to Miami’s game four win as proof of the Heat’s ability.  To illuminate, the Heat prevailed without their best player on Boston’s home court.  Indeed, the masses were burned badly for their betting on NBA Playoffs flood on Boston.  The Celtics were already favored in the game.  But when Butler departed, casual money stampeded the betting window on the Celtics.  As a result, sharps took all of those extra points that oddsmakers offered on the Heat.

First seed in the Eastern Conference belongs to Miami.  But the Heat have been treated as an afterthought by the masses.  This is a case of the Boston brand being more powerful than the facts of the case.  Thus, the Celtics are an overlay.  And if Butler remains out, that overlay 2022 NBA Playoffs Betting factor will be further enhanced.

Bam Went Adebayo When the Heat was On

With the full pressure of the Heat on his shoulders, Miami center Bam Adebayo filled the massive hole left by Jimmy Butler.  Adebayo had his best 2022 NBA playoffs game with 31 points, ten rebounds, and six assists.  To the Wise Guys, this came as no surprise.  Adebayo emerged as one of the top NBA centers in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.  Thus, he was instrumental in the Heat making the 2020 NBA Finals.

In sum, Adebayo had his best season as a pro in 2021-22.  He averaged 19.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest.  So far in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, Adebayo is averaging 14.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.  Those may not be dominant numbers.  But when Butler left and game three was on the line, Adebayo delivered.

Heat vs. Celtics Betting Trends

Late on, Miami has covered four of their last five games.  The Heat has gone over the total in four of their previous five games.  Miami cranks cash on the road with a mark of 13-5-1 vs. the odds.  In like manner, Boston has visited the payout window in 13 of their previous 18 games.

Heat at Celtics CashBet Free Pick  

In this situation, Boston is overvalued based on branding.  Miami has proven to be the better NBA gambling over the past few seasons.  As mentioned earlier, the Heat are the higher seed and are getting the better price.

Heat at Celtics CashBet Best Bet

Miami Heat