Steve Starr
- Go to BetOnline or Bovada for the latest odds on the Celtics vs Heat matchup
- Jayson Tatum put up 33 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in Tuesday’s elimination game
- TNT airs Game 5 from TD Bank Garden in Boston on Thursday, May 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Jayson Tatum put up 33 points in a 116-99 Game 4 victory over Miami. After avoiding the sweep, Boston returns home on Thursday, looking to become the first team in NBA history to comeback from a 3-0 series deficit.
Will Jimmy Butler and the Heat finish the job in Game 5 or will the Celtics continue to build momentum? Before we look at the opening line, check out the latest 2023 NBA Playoff Betting Odds and our guide to betting on NBA basketball.
Celtics vs Heat – Game 5
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Miami Heat | +8.0 (-110) | +250 | Ov 215.5 (-110) |
| Boston Celtics | -8.0 (-110) | -300 | Un 215.5 (-110) |
Boston pride
After being lambasted for an embarrassing effort in Game 3, Joe Mazzulla’s club stepped up with their backs against the wall. Led by Jayson Tatum’s 23 second-half points, Boston went on a 18-0 third-quarter run that essentially ended the game. The Celtics’ role players were key to the victory, with Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Derrick White and Grant Williams combining for 53 points.
Miami missed 26 of 40 shots in the second half while committing 10 turnovers. Jimmy Butler scored 29 points in a losing effort and expects a much better effort in Game 5. “We’ve gotta play like our backs are against the wall,” said the 33-year-old. “I think all year long we’ve been better whenever we’ve had to do things our way.”
Jayson Tatum has 6 30-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist games this postseason, tied for 2nd-most in a single postseason all-time.
Only LeBron James in 2018 had more (7). pic.twitter.com/R6Ywf2Ql2v
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 24, 2023
History is against the Celtics
While Game 5 is at TD Bank Garden, Boston is a pathetic 11-12 at home in the playoffs over the past three years. That includes Game 1 and Game 2 losses to the Heat, of course, who are looking to earn their second trip to the NBA Finals in four seasons.
Throughout NBA history, teams are 0-150 after digging themselves into a 3-0 hole. While 29.3% of clubs forced a fifth game, only 11 (7.3%) made it to Game 6 and just three (0.2%) tied the series before getting eliminated in Game 7. If you believe they can make history, the Celtics are currently +235 to win the series at BetOnline.
Boston vs Miami
Boston is a 8-point home favorite on Thursday night. They have been favored in every matchup this series with the exception of Game 4, the only one they won. After Tuesday’s contest, Charles Barkley said, “I think Game 5 is going to be a cakewalk for the Celtics… and I’m going to tell you something else, Game 6 in Miami is going to be Game 7 for Miami.”
The Game 5 over-under is set at 215.5 points – a total the two teams have only failed to exceed once (Game 4) in the series.
Jimmy Butler: "We're gonna listen to some music, we're gonna drink some beers back there. I'm gonna go have some wine."
Same 👊 pic.twitter.com/WBpik3wq7N
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) May 24, 2023
Best Bet
Despite Chuck’s assessment, the Celtics have been consistently terrible on their parquet floor. Underdogs are also 8-0 against the spread in the conference finals.
After being provided with a glimmer of hope, Boston fans should prepare themselves for more disappointment. Jimmy Butler and the Heat will not only cover the 8-point spread, they’ll punch their ticket to a NBA Finals matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
