The Boston Celtics look to tie the Eastern Conference best of seven series against the Miami Heat tonight, Monday May 9th, at the TD Garden. The Celtics are 6-4 SU against the Heat in their last ten meetings. NBA oddsmakers have the Celtics as -1.5 point home favourites over the Heat with the over/under set at 181 points. Be sure to check the Heat vs Celtics NBA Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Miami (6-2, 1-2 V) lost Game 3 in Boston 81-97. LeBron James scored 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting, adding seven rebounds and four assists for his worst playoff performance in more than three years. Combined, Miami's Big Three had a total of 44 points — the fewest since they joined together amid much hoopla during the offseason. The Heat have injury problems of their own. Chris Bosh woke up with a pinched nerve in his neck, though he said it was no excuse for his performance in the game; he scored six points with five rebounds in 30 minutes. "The way we've been successful all year is by executing our offense, and a lot of that offense runs through Chris," Spoelstra said. "We have to help him as well." Udonis Haslem still is not ready to return from November foot surgery. And there are more than a few bruised egos on the Miami side. The Heat look to be even more physical play of the type that filled the Celtics training room. "We've got to be aggressive. They're a very aggressive team. The only way you counter aggressiveness is to be aggressive on the other end, too," he said "We know we didn't play as well as we wanted to — probably our worst game of the postseason. We're looking to get better in Game 4."
Boston (5-2, 3-0 H) returned home after losing the first two games in Miami and showed the fight that had been lacking when they fell behind 0-2. Kevin Garnett scored 28 points with 18 rebounds — more than he had in the first two games combined — and Paul Pierce added 27 points for the defending Eastern Conference champions. Rajon Rondo says he will play tonight, despite dislocating his left elbow. Doc Rivers hesitated little yesterday in offering an injury report on Rondo. The question Rivers won’t address until perhaps the first quarter tonight is whether Rondo can play effectively. He essentially used one arm in the fourth quarter, and the left arm could be an issue again. “If he can’t help our team, [he won’t play],’’ Rivers said before the MRI results. “And if he can play, how well can he play and will he help or hurt our team? “No. 1, we’re not going to hurt the player and we’re not going to do anything to hurt the team. It may not be until game time and the game until we find that out.’’ The Celtics have dealt with injuries all season and the postseason is proving no different. Center Shaquille O’Neal, who played eight minutes Saturday night, active for a game for just the second time since Feb. 1, experienced soreness in his right foot, but nothing more than anticipated. Delonte West bruised his shoulder vbut will play.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 16-5-1 in the last 22 meetings in Boston.
Heat are 5-11 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
Heat are 0-6 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Boston.
Heat vs Celtics
When: Monday, May-09-11, 7:00 PM ET
Pick: Celtics -1.5
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NBA Point Spreads before Heat vs Celtics game.
The Bottom Line: The Heat are going to be more aggressive and with a banged up Celtics squad it could be trouble. Be sure to check Heat vs Celtics Basketball Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
