Celtics vs. Heat NBA Single Game Parlay & Picks: Bets for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals (May 25)

Celtics vs. Heat Odds

It's no surprise that the Eastern Conference finals between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics has been a back-and-forth affair. We are all tied up at 2-2 and with that, it becomes a best-of-three to decide the East.

Game 4 saw the Celtics get out to a commanding lead early on, and even without Marcus Smart, who was sidelined with a sprained ankle, they showed dominance.

The real takeaway from Game 4 as a whole was the play from the Heat starters who combined for 18 total points. Although Miami was without Tyler Herro, this was a return game of Kyle Lowry who went 1-of-16 through 21 minutes and fellow guard Max Strus held scoreless.

With few lead changes throughout this series as a whole, getting out to a quick start is imperative. We will rely on this Miami team to do just that. Let's get into our Game 5 parlay.

Kyle Lowry Over 10.5 points (-115)

Kyle Lowry has been a key part to the Heat's success all year long. Since returning, his impact has not been felt as much in the stats sheet, but I think that changes tonight.

His most impactful game as a Heat player against the Celtics came at the end of March on the road where he shot 8-of-16 from the floor and connected on six made 3s.

The Heat are going to need Lowry's playmaking to turn the tables on Boston, and getting him going from beyond the arc really helps their chances. I like him to go over in a key game at home.

Miami Heat First Quarter Winner (+100)

This postseason, the Heat have gotten out to good starts at home. In the month of May, or since the start of the second round series, they have scored 25 or more points, or gone over this set total in four of five home games. Only one time in game two of the series did they fail to eclipse that mark, putting up one point shy at 24.

There has not been a lead change since the first quarter of Game 2, which places even more of an emphasis on a quick start. In an article on NBA.com Jimmy Butler was quoted saying, "I think we have to be more of a forceful-type team, getting into the paint, not shying away from contact and playing from the inside out".

We expect to see this Heat squad more aggressive early on and Miami coming out with much more offensive intensity. Unfortunately, we cannot play it safe and take simply the Miami Heat first quarter total Over 24.5 in a same game parlay, so we will take them to win the first quarter, which offers much more value anyway.

Parlay: Miami Heat First Quarter Winner + Kyle Lowry Over 10.5 points (+266)