Celtics vs Heat Prediction, Odds & Best Bet for Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 on FanDuel Sportsbook

Celtics vs Heat Game 5 Info

2021-22 NBA Playoffs — Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 (Series Tied 2-2)
Boston Celtics (51-31, 23-18 Away) vs. Miami Heat (53-29, 29-12 Home)
Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Venue: FTX Arena — Miami, FL
Coverage: ESPN

The Celtics came to play with their backs against the wall in Game 4. Head coach Ime Udoka's team jumped out to absurd 18-1 lead, rolled to a 29-11 advantage at the end of the first quarter on Monday night and simply never looked back. Boston's defensive effort was the driving force in a crucial 102-82 drubbing.

The Heat were held to just 33.3% shooting and their starting five combined for only 18 points. That's obviously not going to get the job done in the NBA Playoffs. Miami now has to bounce back at FTX Arena in order to maintain home court advantage or else this series could be over in six games.

Celtics vs Heat Odds & Spread

All NBA betting lines, odds and prop bets are available on FanDuel Sportsbook.
Moneyline: BOS: (-118) | MIA: (+100)
Spread: BOS: -1.5 (-108) | MIA: +1.5 (-112)
Total: 203.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Odds to Win NBA Finals: BOS: (+260) | MIA: (+440)

Momentum seems to be shifting in Boston's direction and the oddsmakers are taking notice. The Heat were favored in Games 1 & 2 at home, but now enter Game 5 as 1.5-point underdogs. The defensive tenacity showcased by the Celtics on Monday has also caused the point total to drop tremendously. It was set at 208.5 for Game 4, but sits at 203.5 for Game 5.

Celtics vs Heat Prediction & Pick

All NBA win probability predictions and picks are according to numberFire.
Prediction: Miami Heat win (56.4%)

numberFire's projection likes the Heat to get the job done at home and grab an important Game 5 victory. That may not come as a major shock considering the Heat have lost just one game at home during this entire postseason. Miami turns up the intensity when the crowd is behind them and has averaged a reliable 111.5 points per game at FTX Arena in the playoffs. The Boston defense is elite, sure, but the Heat had the NBA's fifth highest effective field goal percentage in the regular season. They're not going to keep doing things like shooting 29.6% on 2-point field goal attempts.

Final Score Prediction: Celtics: 98 | Heat: 104

Celtics vs Heat Betting Trends

- Boston is 10-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last 11 away games.
- The total has hit the over in five of Boston's last seven away games against Miami.
- Miami is 10-1 straight up in its last 11 home games.
- The total has hit the under in 10 of Miami's last 15 games.

Boston on the road and Miami at home have been two of the most dominant betting trends as of late. The Celtics have covered in all but one of their last 11 away games and the Heat have lost only one of their last 11 home games. That's what makes Game 5 such a toss-up. When it comes to the total, Boston's success shooting at FTX Arena makes the over seem like an enticing option.

Celtics vs Heat Best Bet

All NBA betting lines, odds and prop bets are available on FanDuel Sportsbook.

While the NBA Playoffs have been full of blowout wins, this one lines up to be an absolute battle. Head coach Erik Spoelstra's team just loves playing at home and has grabbed the lead at the end of the first quarter in five of its eight home postseason games. Getting out to an early lead will be vital given how well Boston makes in-game adjustments on defense. Look for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo to team up for a couple of dunks and make their presence felt early on.

Bet 1st Quarter Spread: Miami Heat +0.5 (-118)

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.