Have a look at the article below to see our expert’s tips & predictions for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat vs Celtics Winner Prediction
With the Nuggets winning against the Lakers last night, teams that went up 3-0 in a playoff series now have a 150-0 record. This statistic tells us everything we need to know about the Celtics’ chances of evening out the series and reaching the finals.
We fully expect the Miami Heat to continue their hot streak and make their second finals appearance since the 2019/20 ‘Bubble’ season. They have been the better side in this series, winning each game by an average margin of 13 points.
The Celtics dropped both home games to start the series and if ever there was a chance for them to get a win, it was TD Garden. Now they are in enemy territory, facing Eric Spoelstra’s squad at FTX arena and we don’t see them as a side worth backing.
We are backing the Heat to win in the 1×2 market at 5/6 odds at bet9ja.
The Miami Heat have been one of the best teams in the tournament this year, ranking 2nd in net rating with 6.6 and this number goes all the way up to 14.1 when playing in front of their home fans.
They have been exceptional on both sides of the floor and they are coming off a 26-point victory in Game 3. We have every reason to believe this can happen again and we are backing them in the handicap market giving up 1.5 points at 10/11 odds.
Total Points Scored Predictions
Most betting websites have placed the total points line at around 215 points. They are hoping the Miami heat finally cool down. However, we have little reason to believe this is going to happen and we see this line as too low.
The Celtics have failed to play defence and have a defensive rating of 113.5. This number gets even worse on the road at 115.7. But if the Celtics can get their offence going we have a high chance of seeing another high-scoring game.
Game 1 saw 239 points, Game 2 went to 216 and Game 3 had 230 total points. In each of their first 3 games, we have seen more than 215 points scored and we have every reason to believe this will happen again.
We are taking the Over 215.5 points at 10/11 odds with bet9ja.
Prop Bets Prediction
There are tons of betting offers for player props for any given NBA game, but for tonight’s Game 4 clash, we have singled out Al Horford in the points market.
Despite playing very well in the series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Al Horford has been terrible in the last 3 games. His defensive and rebounding effort has let a great deal to be desired and his +/- ratings have been in the deep negative in this series.
This is why coach Joe Mazzulla has been lowering his minutes with each passing game and Big Al went from almost 40 minutes per game to 19 in Game 3.
We expect the Celtics’ stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to take the driver’s seat when it comes to scoring in this game. This, along with Horford’s reduced minutes should severely limit his offensive production.
We are taking the under on 6.5 points for Al Horford at 5/6 odds at Betking.
Our Analysis of the Heat vs Celtics Game
This has been a lopsided series all the way through. The Miami Heat entered this series as the 8th seed and a 4/1 underdog to win the series but are now one step away from the NBA Finals.
Defence has been the key behind their success in the postseason, and they have done a great job at keeping the Celtics to very low shooting percentages, especially from behind the 3-point arc.
Whilst the Celtics have been winning the rebounding battle, grabbing 21 boards in Game 3 compared to the Heat’s 1, it simply hasn’t been enough.
The key for the Boston Celtics tonight will undoubtedly be Jayson Tatum, and there is no question about it. Tatum disappeared in Game 3, scoring just 14 points, but if the Celtics want to bounce back then he will be the most important factor.
For the Miami Heat it will, of course, be Jimmy Butler. The 33-year-old forward has been the leader of this 8-man Heat squad, averaging 30 points per game in the playoffs. His impact on both sides of the floor is a must for any Miami Heat victory.
Top Scorers Predictions for Heat vs Celtics
Although we expect the Heat to come away with the victory in this one, there is no denying that Jayson Tatum is by far the biggest scoring talent in this series.
Tatum has averaged almost 30 points in the playoffs this year too and we fully expect him to come out guns blazing in Game 4. He will likely try and put the team on his back just like Lebron last night and we can expect a big scoring night.
Our prediction is that Jayson Tatum will be the top scorer in Game 4 regardless of the end result.
Heat Put Their Foot Down
Eric Spoelstra has been the head coach of the Miami Heat since the 2008/09 season and has led the Heat to 5 finals appearances so far. His coaching of the team this year has been masterful and we will likely see them in the finals again.
The Miami Heat aren’t a team that plays around. They play tough defence and they share the ball on offence. They have played great basketball on both sides of the floor and we have no reason to believe this will change tonight in front of their home fans.
Lakers vs Nuggets Last 3 Results
These two teams have faced each other 4 times during the regular season, splitting the series 2-2 while stealing 1 game on the road. It’s been a much different story in the playoffs as the Heat have dominated the series and their h2h results are as follows:
- Game 1: Celtics vs Heat: 116-123
- Game 2: Celtics vs Heat: 105-111
- Game 3: Heat vs Celtics: 128-102
