Vaughn Dalzell breaks down the best bet in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.
Heat at Celtics (-9): O/U 215.5
Game 1 went our way with the Heat, but I fully expect a bounce back spot and smackdown in favor of the Boston Celtics.
This situation is a familiar one as the Celtics are 2-4 in their six five Game 1’s. However, following those four losses, Boston has won by an average of 23.7 points in Game 2, beating their opponents by 13, 34, 23 and 25 points.
The Celtics got into a track meet with Miami in Game 1 and that normally doesn’t favor Boston. The C’s also attempt around 40 three-pointers a game and didn’t reach 30 versus the Heat, which will change in Game 2.
Teams that lose Game 1 often make the necessary adjustments in Game 2 that they missed in Game 1. A few for Boston will be cutting down the turnovers (15 committed), defending the three (Miami went 16/31), especially when the C’s switch on Jimmy Butler (7 assists) and using Grant Williams rather than Payton Pritchard (duh).
Boston has won by 8, 8, 34 and 9 points off losses in the postseason. The Celtics are 4-1 ATS and on the ML following five losses with one set of back-to-back losses in Games 4 and 5 versus the 76ers.
I like the chances Boston covers and ties up the series at home before going to Miami. I played the Celtics -9 for 1.5 units and would go out to -10 for 1.5u as well.
I lean the Celtics 1H -5.5 but might play a 0.5 unit if we end up with a -4 or -4.5 available.
Pick: Celtics -9 (1.5u)
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