Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Prediction: Can the Celtics' Dynamic Duo Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Steal Game 1?

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Prediction: Can the Celtics' Dynamic Duo Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Steal Game 1?

Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Tuesday's Game 1 matchup between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.

Heat vs. Celtics Game 1 Start Time and Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: May 17, 2022
• Game Time: 8:30 pm ET
• Where to Watch: ESPN

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Heat vs. Celtics Game 1 Line Movement

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Game 1 Prediction

It is time for the Eastern Conference Finals. The Boston Celtics take on the Miami Heat tonight taking place from south beach. The Celtics come into this game fresh off a game seven win over the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. Meanwhile, the Heat took care of Philadelphia in six games.

The Heat have the rest advantage tonight, but Boston has the advantage of playing this game in a flow. You can argue the benefits of both sides, but the bottom line is both of these teams will be ready to go tonight.

The Heat were the best team in the East during the regular season, led by all-star guard Jimmy Butler. Big man Bam Adebayo was outstanding for them during the regular season, along with the Sixth Man of the Year recipient Tyler Herro. Butler has been the leader so far in the playoffs and will look to bring Miami back to another NBA finals.

The Celtics will look to return to their first NBA finals since 2010. This is one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, and they will be looking to add to the trophy case this season. They have a chance this year led by star forward Jayson Tatum. Tatum is one of the best young players in the league, paired with former lottery pick Jaylen Brown. These two are one of the best duos in the NBA and will be a lot for this Heat team to handle.

These are also two of the NBA's top defenses, so we may see an old-fashioned type of game tonight. The Heat enter play as a -2 point favorite. 

I am backing the dog tonight in the Boston Celtics.

I actually like the fact that they are playing with momentum and did not get the days of rest. The Celtics also return Robert Williams, who is a massive piece to this team. Williams will not be on a minutes restriction in this series which is a massive win for the Celtics. The next thing is Miami is a very heavy public play, and you guys know by now I love to fade heavy public plays. I understand they are at home, but it is not one of the more difficult places to play with all due respect to Miami fans. They will have fans shuffling in at halftime, and if I lived in Miami, I might do the same.

Boston has been great on the road in the playoffs so far, going 2-0 against the Nets and 2-1 against the Bucks. I think the Boston defense will be too much in this series for the Heat. The Heat can become one-dimensional when their role players are struggling, which they can not get away with against this Celtics team. I will back the dog tonight. Let’s stay hot in the NBA! 

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Game 1 Pick

• Boston Celtics ML (+112) (Bet $100 to Win $112)

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