The Boston Celtics (47-19) and Miami Heat (29-36) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The game will be broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Celtics are 8-point favorites over the Heat on the spread (Celtics -8), with the over/under set at 213 total points. Boston is a -325 favorite to win outright, while Miami is +260 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs. Heat predictions and NBA picks for Friday, March 14.
Celtics vs. Heat Picks, Prediction
Spread
Despite the injuries, this should be an easy win for Boston. I'm taking the Celtics to cover the spread.
Moneyline
I have no play on the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'm passing on the total for this game.
My Pick: Celtics -8
Celtics vs. Heat Odds
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -108 | 213 -112o / -108u | -325 |
| Heat Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -112 | 213 -112o / -108u | +260 |
- Celtics vs. Heat spread: Celtics -8
- Celtics vs. Heat over/under: 213 total points
- Celtics vs. Heat moneyline: Celtics -325, Heat +260
- Celtics vs. Heat best bet: Celtics -8 (-110)
My Heat vs. Celtics best bet is on Boston to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at Fanatics. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Celtics vs. Heat Preview
The Celtics are banged up with Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Al Horford listed as game-time decisions and Kristaps Porzingis out. However, the Heat are faltering down the stretch so I figure this will be another easy victory with whoever the Celtics field in the lineup.
The Heat are on a season-worst five-game losing streak. This season's unfortunate theme has been a lack of consistent offense beyond Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. In order for the Heat to have any chance of avoiding a third loss to the Celtics this season, Herro and Abebayo have to carry the Heat on both ends.
One of the main role players the Celtics will have to limit is Duncan Robinson, who has made 18 3-pointers in his last five games.
In their last 10 games, the Heat are 21st in offensive rating and 18th in net rating. That’s a bad recipe against a Celtics squad that’s fifth in defensive rating and leads the league in 3-pointers made per game.
The Celtics are a well-oiled machine with the third-best offensive rating in the league. Even with whoever sits, they’re going to carve up the Heat’s defense with precision, timely cuts, and superb ball movement.
Tatum is obviously the most dynamic player in the Celtics. However, White has been a Heat killer in his career, so if he can play, he’ll make a big difference with his two-way talents and efficiency beyond the arc.
Also, the Celtics’ up-tempo approach will be overwhelming. Boston is third in the NBA in pace, while the Heat are just 19th.
The Heat are subpar against winning teams, going 8-23 this season vs. .500 or better opponents. The Celtics are 19-24-1 against the spread in games where they're favored by at least eight points. The Heat are 3-2-1 when cast as an underdog by 8+ points.
Yet, the Celtics should be able to cover the spread in this spot and get an easy road victory.
Celtics vs. Heat Betting Prediction
- Celtics -8 (-110)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Tyler Herro 3+ Three-Pointers Made
- Bam Adebayo 10+ Rebounds
- Celtics Team Total Over 111.5
Parlay Payout: +440
Heat vs. Celtics Betting Trends
