Heat vs. Celtics Prediction, Starting Lineups & Odds for Game 1, 5/17

It’s finally game day. Game 1 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals is just hours away with the Boston Celtics hosting the Miami Heat. It’s been quite a run for the Heat, making it this far as a #8 seed. However, the Celtics are looking to make it to the NBA Finals for the second straight season.

With each team just four wins away from an NBA Finals appearance, our experts have a Heat vs. Celtics prediction for Wednesday’s Game 1 with odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.

HEAT VS. CELTICS PREDICTION: Under 210.5 (-110) at DraftKings Sportsbook

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Projected Starters for Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals

Before we fully dive into our experts’ Heat vs. Celtics prediction, we have the expected starting lineups for each squad:

Miami Heat:

• Gabe Vincent
• Mas Strus
• Jimmy Butler
• Kevin Love
• Bam Adebayo

Boston Celtics:

• Marcus Smart
• Jaylen Brown
• Jayson Tatum
• Al Horford
• Robert Williams

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Game 1 Prediction

When it comes to Game 1 and the series overall, our experts are expecting the Celtics to make their second straight NBA Finals appearance. It’s clear that oddsmakers feel the same, as they’re eight-point favorites for the series-opening game and a huge -525 favorite to win the series.

There’s no denying that the Heat has impressed on their road here, especially eliminating the #1 seed Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. Therefore, it’s difficult to go with such a large spread against a team that has defied all expectations thus far. So, our experts’ Heat vs. Celtics prediction is focused on the total (over/under), and specifically, a low-scoring game.

Game 1 Best Bets & Picks for Heat vs. Celtics Including Under 210.5

Miami has captured headlines throughout these 2023 NBA playoffs, which is well-deserved. While it’s been playoff-Jimmy Butler catching most of the attention, it’s the Heat defense that has been the primary factor in getting them to the Eastern Conference Finals.

In fact, that’s been Miami’s calling card throughout the season. Their 109.5 points allowed per game was second only to the Cleveland Cavaliers. That was on full display in their most recent series against the New York Knicks, where they allowed just 100.5 points per game. That included allowing just 86 and 92 points in two of their matchups.

A similar trend took place for the Celtics en route to their elimination of the Philadelphia 76ers. They allowed just 101.9 points across the seven-game series and were even more dominant in the most recent games. When Boston was on the brink of elimination down 3-2, they held the 76ers to just 86 and 88 points to come back and win the series 4-3.

Much like Miami, Boston’s defense was dominant all season. They were just behind the Heat in terms of points allowed per game with 111 (fourth-best in the NBA). Finally, the most recent meeting between these teams with a 98-95 Celtics win. So, rather than sweating out a Boston blowout, our Heat vs. Celtics prediction is on the under 210.5 points with -110 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook.

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All it takes to get started is a $5+ deposit and then a wager of at least $5 on any sporting event. Whether you choose to target our Heat vs. Celtics prediction or something else, your $5 bet doesn’t even have to win. Successful or not, DraftKings will still credit you $150 worth of bonus bets. It doesn’t get much easier than that, and you can click here to join DraftKings today.

Latest Heat vs. Celtics Odds & Betting Lines for Game 1 Courtesy of DraftKings

In terms of the latest odds at DraftKings Sportsbook regarding our Heat vs. Celtics prediction, we have you covered there as well. The under 210.5 points is listed at -110 odds, so an $11 wager profits $10 if 210 points or fewer are scored. If you end up fading our Heat vs. Celtics prediction, the over 210.5 has the same -110 price, so an $11 bet profits $10 if the game ends with at least 211 points scored.

You could also back the point spread market, which has the Celtics -8 at -110 odds and the Heat +8 also at -110 odds. You’re free to use any available market for your ‘Bet $5, get $150’ DraftKings sign-up offer, so make sure you become a new member today.

Eastern Conference Finals Schedule

That sets the stage for Saturday’s Fiesta Bowl, but it unfortunately won’t have both teams at full strength. Below we’ve outlined players that will be sidelined for both squads:

• Game 1: Wednesday, May 17 at 8:30 PM ET (at Boston)
• Game 2: Friday, May 19 at 8:30 PM ET (at Boston)
• Game 3: Sunday, May 21 at 8:30 PM ET (at Miami)
• Game 4: Tuesday, May 23 at 8:30 PM ET (at Miami)
• Game 5 (if necessary): Thursday, May 25 at 8:30 PM ET (at Boston)
• Game 6 (if necessary): Saturday, May 27 at 8:30 PM ET (at Miami)
• Game 7 (if necessary): Monday, May 29 at 8:30 PM ET (at Boston)

Remember, you add even more excitement to each of the upcoming matchups by joining DraftKings ahead of tip-off tonight.

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