Even those who are online betting for Kentucky Derby odds are checking out the NBA playoffs, and in the series that everyone has been waiting for, Miami is showing why many picked them to win the title as soon as LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined forces with Dwyane Wade in South Beach, racing out to a 2-0 series lead against Boston. The Celtics return home to face the Heat on Saturday, in what is their game of the season.
Heat vs. Celtics Betting – Saturday, 8:00 PM ET
James poured in 35 points to lead the way in a 102-91 win for the Heat on Tuesday at home, while adding seven boards, while Wade followed up a 38-point performance in Game 1 with another 28 points. Bosh notched 17 points and 11 boards for the Heat, who outrebounded the Celtics 44-38, and they’ve dominated this series over the first two games. Those watching NBA scores may be a bit surprised to see the Heat not backing down from the physical play of the Celtics and in fact, they may even be embracing it. That being said, it’s going to be a different story when they go to Boston, and that is when we’ll see how good the Heat are.
Rajon Rondo led Boston with 20 points, 12 assists and six assists, while Kevin Garnett was next with 16 points and six rebounds for the Celtics, who got a combined 20 points from Paul Pierce and Ray Allen on 7-of-18 shooting. Boston looks very old compared to the athletic stars on the Heat, and the trio of Pierce (Achilles), Allen (chest) and Rondo (back) all suffered injuries, but continued to play. Outside of Rondo, age may finally be catching up to the Celtics, and those watching NBA scores will tell you that Father Time finds everyone at some point. They’re going to need all of their championship experience to gut one out on Saturday.
We’re not sure who will be favored in Game 3, which may continue the feeling of a WWE Raw episode, although Boston may get a slight edge at home as they won both games at the TD Banknorth Garden against the Heat during the regular season. Word is, the Celtics will be getting Shaquille O’Neal back in the lineup, but if Boston is hanging their hopes of winning in the postseason of an injured Shaq, they’re going to be in trouble. This is the Celtics’ last stand, and they have to be even more physical than they have been in the first two games, but they have to be disciplined as well. We think the crowd will be a factor for Boston, and we’re not sure that Bosh, in particular, will be able to handle the atmosphere in the Garden. Take Boston to grab a lifeline in your sports book.
