Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics (odds, prediction, and betting tips January 25)
The team with the best record in the NBA, the Boston Celtics, is on the road as they face up against the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center in a highly-contested game. The arch-rivals have had several recent meetings in the postseason, which has intensified their rivalry, more recently being the last Eastern Conference finals.
The Miami Heat, with a record of 24 wins and 20 losses, are in the sixth spot in the competitive Eastern Conference. The Miami Heat are grappling with a challenging stretch, having suffered four consecutive losses in the lead-up to the upcoming game. This recent struggle puts them in a precarious position as they strive to regain momentum and break free from their losing streak. On the other side of the court, the Boston Celtics are in stellar form, securing back-to-back victories in Texas against formidable opponents Houston and Dallas. Their recent performance reflects an impressive track record, winning five out of their last six games. The Celtics boast a 34-10 record, the best in the NBA.
The game starts at 19:30 ET on Thursday, 25 January 2024. The game time by GMT is 00:30 a.m. on Friday, January 26. The match venue is Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida.
Betting tips and match predictions for the Celtics vs Heat (January 25) game are available in this article. The latest betting odds, key stats, team news, and projected starting lineups are previewed below.
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat latest odds on betting sites
The Heat’s moneyline odds are priced at 3.25 (+225 American), while the Celtics’ moneyline odds are priced at 1.36 (-275).
Spread
Heat -6.5: 1.91 (-110)
Celtics +6.5: 1.9 (-110)
Over/Under
Over 225.5: 1.91 (-110)
Under 225.5: 1.91 (-110)
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics last game results
The Heat’s fourth-straight loss
- The Heat were handed their fourth loss in the last five games when they played the Memphis Grizzlies at home. In what was Terry Rozier’s debut for the Heat, the short-handed Grizzlies went away with a 105-96 win. Tyler Herro led the Heat in scoring with 18 points and 6 rebounds.
- Bam Adebayo followed up with a 15-point, 15 rebounds double-double. Bam had a monstrous performance in the paint, recording six blocks and a steal. Jimmy Butler also finished with 15 points and 2 steals.
- Caleb Martin from the bench dropped 15 points, while Terry Rozier, in his Heat debut, scored 9 points.
Team statistics: 33/82 (40.2%) field goals, 11/34 (32.4%) 3-pointers, 19/25 (76.0%) free throws, 21 assists, 44 total rebounds, nine blocks, nine steals, 17 turnovers.
Heat team news: Dru Smith (knee) is ruled out for this game, while Jamie Jaquez Jr (groin) and Kevin Love (illness) are listed as questionable.
Celtics win two in a row
- The Boston Celtics are standing on business this season. They have been solid, and Joe Mazulla has gotten the team in the best groove. The Boston Celtics, who are on the road, edged past the Dallas Mavericks 119-110 in their last game.
- Jayson Tatum led the team in scoring with 39 points while adding 11 rebounds and five assists. Tatum was also solid on defense, finishing the game with 3 steals and 2 blocks. Jaylen Brown was on fire, scoring 34 points, and dropping four assists. The two superstars ran riot on the Dallas Mavericks to secure a second-straight win for the Celtics.
- Jrue Holiday added 17 points, while crashing the board 7 times, and Al Horford dropped 11 points and added 6 rebounds. Jayson and Jaylen’s effort on offense was pivotal to the Celtics in a game they played without the dominant Porzingis in the paint.
Team statistics: 41/88 (46.6%) field goals, 15/46 (32.6%) 3-pointers, 22/30 (73.3%) free throws, 26 assists, 44 total rebounds, 7 steals, 8 blocks, 6 turnovers.
Celtics team news: The Boston Celtics’ roster is currently healthy, and there’s no injury concern.
Heat vs Celtics H2H
During the regular season, the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics have faced off in 134 games, with the Heat winning 53 and the Celtics winning 81. They faced off in the Eastern Conference finals last season, and the Heat prevailed in seven games. They have faced off once this season, and the Celtics won at the TD Garden.
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics lineups and key players
Miami Heat projected starting lineup:
Point guard: Tyler Herro
Shooting guard: Josh Richardson
Small forward: Jimmy Butler
Power forward: Haywood Highsmith
Center: Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo kept the Miami Heat in playoff contention while Jimmy Butler was out injured. Bam is a dominant paint presence for the Heat, and he’s currently averaging 10.6 rebounds per game while scoring 21.4 points per game. Bam also averages a steal and a block a game, showing his massive influence on the Heat.
Boston Celtics projected starting lineup:
Point guard: Jrue Holiday
Shooting guard: Derrick White
Small forward: Jaylen Brown
Power forward: Jayson Tatum
Center: Kristaps Porzingis
Jayson Tatum has been a standout performer on this Celtics side. The Celtics play team ball without a doubt, with anyone on the floor capable of going off any day. However, Jayson Tatum has been doing it on both sides of the court this season with his massive offense output and intensive defensive plays.
Celtics vs Heat predictions and betting tips
The Celtics have displayed remarkable consistency in the current season, holding the top position in offensive rating and securing the second spot in defensive rating. This indicates their dominance on both ends of the court. In their upcoming matchup against the Heat, Boston is poised to exploit Miami’s average defense.
The Heat, facing the second game of a back-to-back, may encounter difficulties containing the high-scoring Celtics, particularly if Jaquez Jr. remains out. Additionally, the well-rested Celtics enter the game with a strategic advantage. The Celtics are also well-rested heading into this game, giving them an added advantage to win.
The pick here is for the Boston Celtics to win against the Miami Heat.
Betting prediction: Boston Celtics to win
Odds: 1.36 (-275 American).