How to handle betting on Heat vs. Celtics

I didn’t want to do this but I have no choice. The Heat enter this game ... hot. Miami has won three straight and are 8-2 in the past 10 games. The Heat have overtaken the Raptors and Celtics for second place in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Celtics will be without guard Marcus Smart (illness), who is sick but also dealing with an oblique injury. That’ll be a big blow to Boston, which will need its role players to pick up the slack. Let’s take a look at the lines.

Heat vs. Celtics spread, over/under, money line

Spread: Celtics (-6)
Over/Under: 209.5
Money line: Cetlics (-240), Heat (+200)

This seems like a good spot to get value on the Heat. I know they’re on the second of a tough road back-to-back, but I think with well-coached teams it shouldn’t matter much. Plus, Smart being out makes it much easier on Miami. The Celtics don’t generally blow teams out, so this should be a tight game if anything. I like the Heat getting points and at +200 on the money line. The only thing that makes me worry about the O/U is OT, but all signs would point to this being a grind it out type of game. So the under would be where I go.

Prediction: Heat 98, Celtics 94

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