Heat vs. Celtics Game 4: Bet Boston to even East finals at home

Tonight, the most pivotal game of the 2022 NBA Eastern Conference finals takes place in Boston, with the Miami Heat taking a 2-1 series lead into their matchup with the Celtics.

In Game 3 on Saturday, the Heat took control early, outscoring the Celtics 39-18 in the first quarter and leading by as many as 26 in the first half. But Jimmy Butler was sidelined for the second half due to knee inflammation, and without him, Miami would inevitably be tested.

After trailing by 17 early in the fourth quarter, Boston rallied and pulled within one after a Jaylen Brown three with 2:40 left. However, the visitors scored the next seven points to put the game away and closed out a 109-103 win.

The Celtics struck a big blow by winning Game 2 in Miami, but the Heat have wrestled the advantage back, making tonight’s game a must-win for the home team.

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Game 4 Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: #1 Miami Heat (2-1) vs. #2 Boston Celtics (1-2)
• Venue & Location: TD Garden (Boston, Massachusetts)
• Date: Monday, May 23, 2022
• Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• How to Watch Tonight’s Heat vs. Celtics Game: ABC

Heat vs. Celtics Game 4 Odds

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline

• Spread: Miami Heat +6.5 (-114), Boston Celtics -6.5 (-106)
• Over/Under: OVER 207.5 (-110), UNDER 207.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Miami Heat +220, Boston Celtics -270

Bovada Sportsbook

• Spread: Miami Heat +6 (-110), Boston Celtics -6 (-110)
• Over/Under: OVER 207.5 (-110), UNDER 207.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Miami Heat +230, Boston Celtics -280

BetUS

• Spread: Miami Heat +6 (-110), Boston Celtics -6 (-110)
• Over/Under: OVER 207.5 (-110), UNDER 207.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Miami Heat +205, Boston Celtics -250

Expect Tatum, Boston to Even Things Up at Home

After routing the Heat in Game 2, the Celtics seemingly had things going their way with the series headed back to Boston.

But they couldn’t have started any worse on Saturday night, and despite their spirited rally in the fourth, that early hole was ultimately their undoing.

Jaylen Brown scored 40 points to lead Boston’s efforts in Game 3, but Jayson Tatum was held to just 10 points on 3 of 14 shooting. After making 4 of 6 from three and 8 of 13 shots from the field overall in a 27-point performance in Game 2, Tatum was only 1 of 7 from deep in the loss.

For all that Brown and the supporting cast can do, the Celtics aren’t going to win a lot of games when Tatum shoots so poorly.

Fortunately, he should be much better tonight, and he will need to be. Butler is set to play, so the Heat will have their best player on the court as well.

Game 3 was the third time this postseason that Tatum fell short of 20 points, following a 19-point performance in Game 2 against the Nets and another 10-point game against the Bucks in Game 3.

How did he respond each time? In Game 3 against Brooklyn, he scored 39 points in a win, and in Game 4 against Milwaukee, he scored 30 points in a win. Also, after a 6 for 18 shooting performance in Game 1 against the Bucks, he bounced back with 29 points in a Game 2 win.

Season-long trends are also in Boston’s favor tonight. After a loss, the Celtics are 24-11, including 13-2 in their last 15 and 4-0 in the playoffs.

Heat vs. Celtics Game 4 Prediction and Best Bets

Heat vs. Celtics Prediction: Celtics 110, Heat 105

Heat vs. Celtics Best Bets: Heat +6.5 (-110 at BetOnline) & OVER 207.5 (-110 at BetOnline, Bovada Sportsbook & BetUS)

That the Heat were able to win Game 3 without Butler in the second half and despite a big rally by the Celtics should see the visitors full of confidence for Game 4.

This game will be closer throughout than any of the first three games, and both teams should hit the 100-point mark for the fourth straight game.

But Boston should continue their trend of bouncing back well from losses, and Tatum should continue his trend of bouncing back well from poor performances to lead the home team to a series-tying win.

Best Prop Pick for Heat vs. Celtics Game 4

• Jayson Tatum over 27.5 points (-110 at BetOnline & Bovada Sportsbook) & over 3.5 made threes (+112 at BetOnline)

In keeping with the expectation that his trend of big games following poor games will continue, Tatum points props are excellent value tonight.

But the best value lies in backing him to produce from the perimeter after his poor Game 3 performance. In 14 games in the postseason, Tatum has hit four or more threes seven times, with six of those instances coming in Boston’s nine playoff wins.

Here’s how his perimeter shooting breaks down in the Celtics’ playoff wins thus far:

• Made Threes: 37 (4.1 per game)
• Three-Point Attempts: 81 (9 per game)
• Three-Point Percentage: 45.7%