Betting Guide for Game 1 of Celtics vs. Heat in the 2022 NBA Eastern Conference Finals

The 2022 NBA Eastern Conference Finals are set with the top-seeded Miami Heat hosting the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday night.

The Heat is 8-3 in the postseason, including a perfect 6-0 in South Florida. While the Celtics are also 8-3 in the NBA playoffs, including an impressive 5-1 mark on the road.

Something has to give, so here we make the case as to why each team can draw first blood and move closer to an NBA Championship.

This preview of Game 1 of the Heat-Celtics series is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook. Compare all the sportsbooks' NBA odds to make sure you get the most out of your bets.

Game 1: Boston Celtics at Miami Heat

Tuesday, May 17 2022, 8.30PM

Why favorite Heat will cover the points spread

The Heat (-1.5) produced the best home mark (29-12) in the Eastern Conference and has stayed red-hot under playoff pressure.

And after dropping its first two regular-season matchups with the Celtics, Miami gained confidence by winning the most-recent battle March 30 in Boston behind Jimmy Butler’s 24 points and Kyle Lowry’s 23.

Plus, the Celtics are coming off a gruelling seven-game series that saw them dethrone Milwaukee and could be a little weary.

Why underdog Celtic will cover the points spread

Boston (+1.5) proved during the regular season it can succeed in any style of game against the Heat. The Celtics held Miami to a season-low 78 points, albeit that was way back on Nov. 4, and also poured in 122 in a 30-point rout. Jaylen Brown (17, 29, 28) was their leading scorer in all three meetings.

The @MiamiHEAT and @celtics have advanced and will faceoff in the Eastern Conference Finals!#NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/nCyrxID2Yg

— NBA (@NBA) May 16, 2022

Why Heat vs. Celtics will go Over the 205.5 total points line

Despite three wildly different games against Boston, the Heat have boasted one of the NBA’s most consistent offenses all season. Butler is on a playoff tear, averaging 28.7 ppg and shooting 52.5 percent from the field. And four of his teammates are also scoring in double figures.

Why Heat vs. Celtics will stay Under the 205.5 total points line

Often in the first game of any series, there is a feeling-out period. Given Miami’s defensive success in the playoffs, with the Nets and Sixers combining for just 97.5 points per game, and Boston hitting the road after going the distance with the Bucks, it could make for a sluggish series opener.

The X-Factor: Tyler Herro, Miami Heat Guard

Miami’s ignition switch off the bench, Herro is averaging a mere 13.8 points in the postseason after pouring in 20.7 per game during the regular season. Over the last four games, he shot 18 of 47 including a frigid 3-for-16 from behind the arc.

🏀 Projected Celtics vs. Heat Game 1 box score
✍️ Betting Preview: Celtics vs. Heat Game 1