The Miami Heat look to close out the Boston Celtics tonight, Wednesday May 11th, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals, at the American Airlines Arena. The home team has won eight of their last ten meetings. NBA oddsmakers have the Heat as -7.5 point home favourites over the Celtics with the over/under set at 181 points. Be sure to check the Celtics vs Heat NBA Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Boston (6-3, 2-2 V) lost Game 4 at home 90-98 in overtime. They should’ve nailed down this game at home in regulation for a series tie. What was their problem? There was no accounting for Kevin Garnett. Garnett only took a jumper-heavy 10 shots in just more than 41 minutes of play, and the low point total wasn’t necessarily because he was cold. After taking 20 shots in each of the previous two games, he turned into the world’s biggest point guard. “He was looking to be a passer more than an aggressive scorer, and that was that,” said Rivers, sounding as mystified as everyone else. The problem today is that the Celtics still don’t know if Garnett is ready to go against his nature tonight and be what everyone knows he can be — one of the most dominant post players in the game. Part of it has to do with injuries that have affected Pierce, Allen and especially the one-armed Rajon Rondo. And part of it has to do with age.
Miami (7-2, 5-0 H) doesn’t need any extra motivation to finish off Boston and end this second-round playoff series tonight, they need only look at their opponent to see how quickly and brutally the window of opportunity slams shut. If the Heat can eliminate Boston, they eliminate the biggest barrier to their title hopes. But the Heat is acutely aware that it is playing the most crafty, clutch team in the league. Pierce, Allen, Garnett and Rondo have escaped from plenty of desperate situations. Miami dares not open the window a crack. “Championship-caliber teams make things that seem easy very difficult,” James Jones said Tuesday after practice. “The Celtics have nothing to lose. That’s a dangerous combination — capable players with something to prove. Teams with a 3-1 lead in a best-of-seven series have lost the series just eight times in 199 series. Even though the Heat are now heavy favorites to advance to the Eastern Conference finals, they insist they aren't looking ahead. "By no means do we feel the series is done, not against a champion like they are," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "We have tremendous respect for Boston. They've inflicted so much pain on us the last three or four years that it's hard not to have that respect."
Recent Trends to Consider:
Favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Miami.
Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Miami.
Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Celtics vs Heat
When: Wednesday, May-11-11, 7:00 PM ET
Pick: Celtics +7.5
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NBA Point Spreads before Celtics vs Heat game.
The Bottom Line: Miami should send the Celtics on vacation, but not by -7.5 points. Be sure to check Celtics vs Heat Basketball Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
