2023 NBA Eastern Conference finals odds, Game 3 start time: Heat vs. Celtics picks, predictions by top expert
The Boston Celtics travel to play the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday night. The Heat have been playing extremely well at home during the 2023 NBA playoffs, logging a 5-0 record at Kaseya Center. Miami is averaging 113.8 points per game during the postseason, while Boston puts up 114.9 points per contest.
Tipoff from the Kaseya Center in Miami is at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Celtics are 4-point favorites in the latest Celtics vs. Heat odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 214. Before making any Heat vs. Celtics picks, make sure you check out what proven SportsLine NBA expert Matt Severance has to say.
Severance is a well-connected writer and handicapper who has worked in the industry since 2005. After joining SportsLine, Severance quickly established himself as a top expert in multiple sports. Over his past 156 NBA picks, he is 102-53-1 against the spread, returning $3,471 for $100 players.
Now, Severance has set its sights on Celtics vs. Heat and just locked in his picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Heat vs. Celtics:
- Celtics vs. Heat spread: Boston -4
- Celtics vs. Heat over/under: 214 points
- Celtics vs. Heat money line: Miami +150, Boston -178
- MIA: The Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last four Sunday games
- BOS: The Celtics are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS loss
- Celtics vs. Heat picks: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game| Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
Why the Heat can cover
Bam Adebayo is such a strong and nimble big man in the frontcourt. Adebayo constantly soars above the rim for rebounds and dunks. The Kentucky product is relentlessly attacking the basket and owns a soft touch in the lane. He leads the team in rebounds (9.7) along with 18.5 points per game in the postseason. In Game 2, Adebayo stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points, 17 boards, and nine assists.
Guard Max Strus is a sniper on the perimeter. Strus excels at moving without the ball to create space from defenders. The DePaul product is averaging 11.2 points and shoots 38% from 3-point land. In Game 1, he had 15 points and made three 3-pointers. Guard Duncan Robinson provides Miami with another shooter on the outside. On Friday, Robinson finished with 15 points and went 3-of-6 from three. See which team to pick here.
Why the Celtics can cover
Guard Jaylen Brown has been a phenomenal defender with long arms and great lateral quickness. Brown finishes in the paint well and owns a solid jumper to space out the defense. The two-time All-Star is averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in the postseason. On May 14 against the Philadelphia 76ers, he amassed 25 points, six rebounds, and two steals.
Guard Malcolm Brogdon is another high-IQ playmaker in the backcourt. Brogdon can create offense for himself and his teammates with ease. The Virginia product is also able to defend positions one through three due to his length and instincts. He's averaging 14.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in the playoffs. In his last outing, Brogdon finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists. See which team to pick here.
How to make Celtics vs. Heat picks
Severance is leaning Over on the point total, and he has identified a critical X-factor he says makes one side of the spread a must-back. You can find out what it is, and see which side of the Heat vs. Celtics spread to back, at SportsLine.
