The Miami Heat took the first two games of this series on the road, and now they’ll look to keep the momentum at home. However, the Boston Celtics could have other plans with their season essentially on the line.
Tip-off for Game 3 on Sunday, May 21 is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET while airing on TNT. The Celtics enter this game as 3.5-point favorites with the total set at 213.5.
How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Celtics vs. Heat predictions, odds, and picks for Game 3 below.
Celtics vs. Heat Odds
- Spread: Celtics -3.5
- Total: 213.5
Odds via Bet365. If you are new to Bet365, click our exclusive promo link below to Bet $1 to Win $200.
Game Info
- Date: Friday, May 19
- Time: 8:30 pm ET
- Location: TD Garden – Boston, MA
- TV: TNT
Our top NBA props. Everyday. Spencer Limbach runs through his Best NBA Player Props Today for this playoff game.
Celtics vs. Heat Predictions
In the history of the NBA, no team that has fallen behind 3-0 in a series has come back to win and advance. This fact isn’t lost on the Celtics, who are essentially playing for their season in Game 3.
While it’s hard to trust the Celtics after witnessing their lackluster performances in the first two games, they should come out with enough energy and focus to secure a win and cover the spread.
The Celtics need to step up their game in the fourth quarter, particularly with Jayson Tatum, who disappeared in the final period of Game 2, going 0-for-3 from the field and failing to grab a single rebound. As a team, the Celtics were up by as many as 11 points in that game, but a taunt from Grant Williams to Jimmy Butler seemed to ignite the Heat, who went on to win by six.
In order for the Celtics to bounce back, they need to maintain their focus and intensity throughout the entire game. They have the talent and the drive to do so, and with their season on the line, there’s no better time for them to step up.
Boston also holds a key advantage in terms of defensive rating in road games this postseason, ranking fifth-best in the league. They’ve managed to win four out of six away games, thanks in part to their defensive prowess. If they can continue to clamp down on defense, particularly against Miami’s role players like Caleb Martin, Max Strus, and Gabe Vincent, they’ll have a solid chance of covering the spread and securing a victory.
Celtics vs. Heat Picks
The Celtics are facing a must-win situation in Game 3, and with their season on the line, expect them to rise to the occasion. They have the talent, the drive, and the defensive prowess to secure a win and cover the -3.5 spread in Miami.
While it’s been a tough start to the series, don’t count out the Celtics just yet – they have the grit and determination to claw their way back and make this a competitive series.
The Pick: Celtics -3.5 | -110 at Bet365
