Heat vs Celtics Picks – Dysfunctional Celtics Will Cool Off Heat
There’s no question that the Celtics are falling apart. The signs are there, the writing is on the wall and there has been a changing of the guard in the Eastern Conference. But even so, online betting cappers know that the Celtics are far too talented and too experienced to lose out to the Miami Heat in round one.
The Story
Rasheed Wallace has been a team cancer. Kevin Garnett clearly isn’t 100% - or the Garnett of old. The Celtics tried to trade Ray Allen and he’s going to leave in the offseason and the latest is that head coach Doc Rivers may not return either. If you’re planning on betting the Celtics in the sportsbook, you have to consider these red flags. This is a veteran team that is right on the brink of collapse. They still have the talent to win the championship but considering how many disheartening losses they had at home – or on the road – in the regular season, it’s hard to see them getting it together for the playoffs. They are a team that could potentially upend the Cavaliers or Magic if everything goes right, but they could also lose unexpectedly in the first round if they don’t believe they have it anymore.
For the Heat, they are also waiting for the offseason. Is Dwyane Wade returning? Are they going to get him some help? The Heat have a pathetic roster around Wade and if the Celtics are even half-trying in round one, the Heat won’t have a shot. The Celtics swept the season series 3-0.
Heat vs Celtics: Better Starters?
The Celtics clearly have the better starters. You do the math: Rajan Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins? Or would you rather have Mario Chalmers, Wade, Quentin Richardson, Udonis Haslem and Jermaine O’Neal?
NBA betting fans know the Celtics have a significant edge in talent and while motivation may be a question mark for the Celtics, some could argue the same points for Miami, who would be a disaster if Wade decides to leave in the offseason.
Edge: CelticsHeat vs Celtics: Better Bench?
Once again, the Celtics have a huge advantage on the bench. When they can roll Nate Robinson, Michael Finley, Glen Davis, Marquis Daniels and Rasheed Wallace off the bench, they can overwhelm almost any opponent.
On the other hand, the Head have the likes of James Jones, Carlos Arroyo and Dorrell Wright. Enjoy that. The Celtics second team will abuse the Heat second team all series long.
Edge: CelticsHeat vs Celtics: X-Factor?
The real sports betting factor will be motivation for the Celtics. Somebody is going to punch them in the mouth these playoffs and they’ll find out what type of character this team really has. In the regular season, this team wilted like soft spinach. It doesn’t get easier in the postseason, but if they can come together, they still have one more run in them.
For Miami, it’s very much the same. How can they top a team they struggle so much with when they have less talent all the way around and are without home court advantage? And how much effort do they care to exert knowing that resistance is futile one way or another? They are also a team that could implode in the offseason, so they may not be in better mental shape than the Celtics.
Who’s Gonna Win?
The Heat are 1-11 in their last 12 games against Boston. And by the way, the only win came when the Celtics were without Garnett and Rondo.
This is a bad matchup for Miami and they have to hope the Celtics implode on the court. If they do, they have a shot in six or seven games. If not, this could be a quick five game series.
