Betting Guide for Game 5 of Celtics vs. Heat in the 2022 NBA Eastern Conference Finals

A pivotal Game 5 Wednesday night in South Florida as the Miami Heat look to rebound from an embarrassing performance in Game 4 in Boston, hosting the Celtics in the 2022 NBA Eastern Conference Finals series tied at 2 games apiece.

Can the Heat rebound from a putrid performance and regain the series lead? Or do the Celtics keep momentum rolling? 

Dimers.com contributor Tony Bellissimo breaks down the matchup.

This preview of Game 5 of the Celtics-Heat 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.

The scene of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals shifts back to South Florida, and the heat is certainly on the Heat following their lackluster effort in Boston in Game 4.

The Celtics’ Jayson Tatum outscored Miami’s starting five by a 13-point margin (31 to 18) as Boston won a laugher, 102-82, in a game much more lopsided than the final score indicated, to even the series.

Game 5: Boston Celtics at Miami Heat

Eastern Conference Finals

Wednesday, May 25 2022, 8:30PM ET

Why the favorite Celtics will cover the spread

There’s a lot to be said for momentum, albeit neither team has yet to win back-to-back games in this series.  

The Celtics (-2) are averaging 110 points against the Heat and are bubbling with confidence after the blowout victory that saw Derrick White (13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) thrive in place of the injured point guard Marcus Smart (ankle) who remains questionable for Game 5. 

Biggest lead each game this series:

Game 1: Heat by 20
Game 2: Celtics by 34
Game 3: Heat by 26
Game 4: Celtics by 32 pic.twitter.com/QI04eiYj4I

— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 24, 2022

Why the underdog Heat will cover the spread

The Heat (+2) must have a short memory and bury the Game 4 nightmare in the closet. It still has home-court advantage in what has now become a best-of-three.  

To Miami’s credit, it rebounded from a 25-point home loss to the Celtics in Game 2 to win Game 3 on the road. A fast start will be crucial after the Heat spotted Boston an 18-1 lead Monday night while misfiring on 15 of its first 16 shot attempts. 

DimersBOT Prediction: Celtics to cover (52% probability)

Why Celtics vs. Heat will go Over the 204 total points line

Three of the four games have surpassed the total set for Game 5 by a comfortable margin, including 225 and 229 in the first two games in Miami. What are the chances Jimmy Butler (6), Bam Adebayo (9) and Kyle Lowry (3) are non-factors and the Heat shooting 33 percent (30 of 90) again?

DimersBOT Prediction: Over 205 points (52% probability)

Why Celtics vs. Warriors will stay Under the 204 total points line

If Smart, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, can suit up it would go a long way in Boston frustrating Miami’s offense for a second straight game and keeping the score down similar to Game 4.  

The Celtics didn’t exactly shoot the lights out Monday night, going 31 of 78 from the floor (39.7 percent). 

The X-Factor: Tyler Herro, Miami Guard 

So many things went awry for Miami in Game 4 and the absence of Herro with a groin injury ranks at the top of the list.

Both teams have battled the injury bug through the first four games, but if Herro is forced to missed any more action the Heat’s offense could continue to suffer.

Herro averaged 20.7 points during the regular season but is down to 13.5 ppg in the playoffs. Regardless of the dropoff, his health is key.  

DimersBOT Prediction: Herro 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

🏀 Projected Celtics vs. Heat Game 5 box score
✍️ Betting Preview: Celtics vs. Heat Game 5