The Eastern Conference Finals return to South Beach with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat deadlocked at two games apiece. Wednesday night’s winner will be on the cusp of advancing to the NBA Finals, and bettors can enhance their Game 5 experience by wagering on Celtics-Heat player props and SGPs (same-game parlays).
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Today’s focus will be on some of the superstars in action, namely Jimmy Butler and Jaylen Brown, who need to be sharp for the Heat and Celtics, respectively. Bettors are encouraged to shop around the industry’s top sportsbooks for the best NBA odds and props for Wednesday night.
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Game 5 Odds
In spite of the series moving to South Beach, the Celtics are laying 1.5 points on most oddsboards (including BetMGM), while Heat backers can grab +2 at DraftKings. Boston is also favored to win the series, laying up to -175 at some online shops. Value-seeking bettors can find Heat NBA championship futures as high as +550.
Celtics vs. Heat Game 5 Props
Jaylen Brown Over 33.5 Total Points, Rebounds, Assists (-120, Caesars)
Brown averaged 29.3 points on 55.6% shooting over the series’ first three games before a Game 4 dud. In spite of shooting 25% and finishing with 12 points, bettors can still appreciate the fact that he attempted 20 shots. He’s averaging 18.5 shots in the series, including 7.5 from three-point land. Another voluminous day is in the cards — both in terms of shot attempts and usage. Marcus Smart (ankle) is questionable for Game 5. The popular cliche attests “everybody is banged up this time of year”, but if Smart is more compromised than the rest of the players on the floor, Brown may assume additional playmaking duties. That should put him in position to rack up an extra assist or two, enough to push him ‘over’ the combo total, particularly considering the 8.5 rebounds he’s averaging throughout the series.
Bam Adebayo Over 16.5 Points (-108, FanDuel)
Adebayo hasn’t enjoyed a particularly good series, though he did go ballistic with 31 points and 10 boards in Game 3. We’re looking at the ‘over’ here in spite of his spotty production through four games, largely due to the injuries both teams are balancing. Teammates Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Kyle Lowry are dealing with various ailments, which could place more of the scoring burden on Adebayo’s shoulders. That may not be such a problem if Celtics rim protector Robert Williams is out for Game 5. Williams was absent in Game 3 when Adebayo exploded, and the road to 17 points will be much smoother without Williams patrolling the paint.
#NEBHInjuryReport for Game 5 vs. Miami:
Sam Hauser (right shoulder instability episode) – OUT
Marcus Smart (right ankle sprain) – QUESTIONABLE
Robert Williams (left knee soreness) – QUESTIONABLE— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 24, 2022
Same-Game Parlay (DraftKings)
Jimmy Butler 35+ Total Points, Rebounds, Assists; Miami Heat+1.5 (+195)
Butler is among the Heat’s walking wounded, but this is the type of game he’ll gut his way through. Butler’s knee has given him some trouble of late, but he’s expected to suit up and start. There are two primary factors to consider in regard to an ‘over’ play. First, it’s possible he sees elevated usage with the rash of injuries the Heat are managing. And while he’s capable of going off in the scoring column, it’s his ability to impact the game across the entire boxscore that has us bullish. Secondly, he’s much more likely to play 40 minutes than under 30 as he did in the previous two games.
Meanwhile, in spite of their injuries, the Heat shouldn’t be slept on to win the game. And by wagering on them at +1.5 (as opposed to the moneyline), bettors get a little bit of extra cushion in this spot.
Also read: Odds to win NBA Finals | NBA Finals MVP odds
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