The 2022 NBA Playoffs betting action goes on with Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday, May 27, so we bring you the best Heat vs. Celtics betting pick along with the latest odds update on Bookmaker Sportsbook. 

Miami is on a brink of elimination following a 93-80 defeat in Game 5 at home. The Heat head to TD Garden as 8.5-point road underdogs, while the Celtics are firm -400 moneyline favorites with a total of 201.0 points for Game 6.  

The Heat continue to struggle on the offensive end 

The Miami Heat have scored only 162 points over their previous two showings. After a heavy 102-82 defeat in Game 4 at TD Garden, the Heat barely hit an 80-point mark in Game 5. They shot only 31.9% from the field and 15.6% from downtown last Wednesday. 

Miami accounted for a paltry 38 second-half points in Game 5. Bam Adebayo led the way with 18 points and ten rebounds, while Jimmy Butler went only 4-for-18 from the field, finishing with 13 points, six boards, four assists, and a couple of steals. 

Kyle Lowry and Max Strus combined to shoot 0-for-15 last Wednesday. They’ll have to do a much better job Friday in Boston, especially because Butler is struggling with a knee injury. Tyler Herro has missed the previous two contests due to a groin injury and is questionable to play in Game 6. 

The Celtics are shutting down the Heat       

The Boston Celtics reminded us why their defensive rating was the best in the NBA this past regular season. They tortured the Heat over the last two contests, allowing only 88.5 points per 100 possessions on 32.6% shooting from the field and 25.9% from beyond the 3-point line. 

Marcus Smart sat out Game 4 with an ankle injury, but his absence didn’t affect the Celtics’ performance on the defensive end. The reigning DPOY returned to the starting lineup last Wednesday and posted five points, five rebounds, and four assists in 24 minutes on the floor. 

Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston in Game 5, tallying 25 points on 10-for-19 shooting from the field. Jayson Tatum had 22 points, 12 boards, and nine assists, while Al Horford added 16 points, seven rebounds, five dimes, and a couple of blocks. 

Trends:

Miami:

  • 1-4 ATS in the last five games played on Friday 

Boston:

  • 15-5 ATS in the last 20 games overall 
  • 8-4 ATS in the last 12 outings as favorites 

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Pick 

I will continue to back the Celtics, who have been outstanding so far this postseason, but that 8.5-point spread is a tricky one. The Heat will play with their back against the wall and could easily keep it close down the stretch. 

Anyway, I lean on the Celtics’ mighty defense to wear down the Heat. Miami is struggling to find open shots and knock them down, so the Heat will have to improve a lot in order to avoid elimination in Game 6. 

Pick: Take Boston Celtics -8.5 at -110   

The Total:

The Heat and Celtics are recording only 94.2 possessions per 48 minutes throughout this series. The first three games have flown over the total, but the previous two have been proper low-scoring affairs. 

The line is set pretty low at 201 points, but if the teams continue to play at a slow pace, the under should hit once more. Five of Miami’s last seven road tilts and six of Boston’s previous eight showings as a fave have gone over the total. 

Pick: Go under 201.0 points at -110