The Celtics-Heat series shifts back to Miami tonight with Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals. Miami gained a 3-1 series edge after beating Boston in overtime 98-90 in Game 4. The Heat are one win away from the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since they won it all in 2006.
LeBron James and Dwayne Wade combined for 63 points in Game 4. The two became teammates this season after Boston halted James’ effort to bring a title to Cleveland and because the Celtics have dominated the Heat since 2007, including an opening round ousting in last year’s playoffs.
Unlike most of the regular season, the Heat closed out Game 4 strong. James hit a three with two minutes left in regulation to tie it at 84. Wade hit a long jumper with 2:01 left in overtime for a 92-86 cushion. Chris Bosh tipped in James’ miss with 24 seconds left to put the Heat up by five and seal the victory.
Instead, Boston made the key mistakes down the stretch. Rajon Rondo missed a layup with 1:11 left in the fourth quarter that would have given the Celtics a two-point lead. Paul Pierce took a wild shot at the end of regulation buzzer after Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett collided on a play that could have won the game. Boston was worse in overtime with only four points and four turnovers.
The Heat had a light practice on Tuesday 12 hours after they returned from Boston with the chance of closing out their bitter rivals at home. The Celtics took the day off, probably to give players like Rondo a chance to recuperate his ailing elbow that was dislocated in Game 3. Rondo is expected to play in Game 5.
The favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings between Boston and Miami. The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six games. The Celtics are 1-4 ATS in the last five against the Heat and 1-4 ATS in the last five visits to Miami.
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Game 5 Odds (provided by Party Bets)
Celtics: 13/4
Heat: 1/4
Point Spread: Heat -7.5
Over/Under: 181
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Best of 7 Series Winner Odds (provided by Party Bets)
Celtics: 9/1
Heat: 1/33