The NBA playoffs are heating up, and the May 17 matchup between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics is one that basketball fans won’t want to miss. With both teams fighting for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, the stakes are high and the competition is fierce. In this article, we’ll take a look at expert predictions, top picks, latest odds, and betting props for this exciting game.
Expert Predictions
Many experts are predicting a close game between the Heat and the Celtics. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives the Heat a slight edge, with a 52.1% chance of winning. However, some analysts believe that the Celtics’ strong defense and depth could give them an advantage.
Top Picks
When it comes to top picks for this game, there are a few players to keep an eye on. For the Heat, Jimmy Butler is a key player who has been performing well in the playoffs. He’s averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Bam Adebayo is another player to watch, with an average of 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
On the Celtics side, Jayson Tatum has been a standout player in the playoffs, averaging 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Kemba Walker is another player to watch, with an average of 21.9 points and 4.3 assists per game.
Latest Odds
As of May 17, the latest odds for this game have the Heat as slight favorites. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Heat have -130 odds to win, while the Celtics have +110 odds.
Betting Props
For those looking to bet on this game, there are a variety of betting props available. Some popular props include:
– Over/Under: The over/under for this game is set at 216.5 points. Bettors can bet on whether the total score will be over or under this number.
– Point Spread: The point spread for this game is set at -2.5 in favor of the Heat. Bettors can bet on whether the Heat will win by more than 2.5 points or if the Celtics will keep the game within 2.5 points.
– Player Props: Bettors can also place bets on individual player performances. For example, they can bet on whether Jimmy Butler will score over or under 22.5 points in the game.
In conclusion, the May 17 Heat vs Celtics matchup is shaping up to be an exciting game with high stakes. While expert predictions and latest odds give the Heat a slight edge, the Celtics are a strong team with talented players. Bettors have a variety of betting props to choose from, making this game even more exciting for those looking to place a wager.
