Celtics vs Heat Game 2 prediction and pick
It only took one quarter for the Miami Heat to take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics were dominated in the third quarter and were outscored by 25 points. Boston had to battle fatigue and the loss of starters Al Horford and Marcus Smart. But this is the playoffs and there are no excuses regarding the Celtics vs Heat Game 2 prediction.
Celtics vs Heat Game 2 Odds
The Celtics were big favorites (-175) to win the series before Game 1. But after a bad loss and injury reports surfaced, the Celtics are now underdogs to win the series (+120). As I mentioned in the series preview, now might be a good time to bet the Celtics to win the series. The odds for Game 2 have the Heat listed as (-4) favorites which are two points greater than the first game. The over/under for this game is set at 208.
Watching the line
The Game 2 line is going to move. Although early reports suggest that Smart and Horford will be out again, the Celtics have upgraded Smart to probable. Miami is getting all of the love after the big win, but if the Celtics know they will be without two starters they will be more prepared for Game 2. Jayson Tatum will most likely share point guard duties with either Jaylen Brown or White to let Tatum worry more about scoring. If Boston gets both starters back, then it will be business as usual for Boston.
Celtics vs Heat Game 2 prediction and pick
Tatum had an embarrassing third quarter littered with turnovers. This is not normal for Tatum and he will protect the ball better in Game 2. Boston is 4-0 against the spread (ATS) off a loss and the coaching staff and players know how to react in this spot. The Celtics have covered 13 of the last 19 games in Miami and Boston will even up the series with a victory in Game 2.