MAY 1, 2024 — Greetings, basketball fans. Welcome back to our NBA playoff coverage here at Total Apex Sports. One of the games on tap from today’s slate features the Boston Celtics squaring off against the Miami Heat.
The two teams split the first two games of the series. However, the Celtics posted wins in Game 3 and Game 4 respectively and appear to be on the verge of closing this thing out in five games.
With a must-win for Miami in this pivotal Game 5, which player props should you watch in this first-round matchup?
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Preview
Fresh off his playoff career high in Game 4, Derrick White will be the player of emphasis for the home team. He currently has -135 odds of scoring more than 15.5 points and +114 odds of finishing with less than 15.5 points. How do White’s numbers compare to the estimated points total for this matchup? Let’s look at the tale of the tape to find out.
- White is averaging 15.5 points per contest during the regular season and playoffs.
- In seven games against the Heat this season, White has averaged 19.4 points per contest.
- During the postseason, he is averaging 21.8 points per outing.
- White has played against Eastern Conference teams 50 times this season (including the playoffs). In those contests, he is averaging 16.0 points per outing.
- In 16 matchups against Southeast Division opponents, the Celtics guard is averaging 16.7 points per game.
- Over his last five outings, White has averaged 17.8 points and 3.2 assists per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup three times during that stretch.
Prediction: Derrick White OVER 15.5 points
On the other side of this matchup, the key player to watch for the Heat is Tyler Herro. He currently has -115 odds of scoring more than 20.5 points and -105 odds of finishing with less than 20.5 points.
Here is a look at how his numbers stack up against the projected points total for this matchup.
- Herro is averaging 20.5 points per contest during the regular season and playoffs.
- In seven games against the Celtics this season, Herro has averaged 20.0 points per contest.
- During the postseason, he is averaging 17.3 points per outing.
- Herro has played against Eastern Conference teams 28 times this season (including the playoffs). In those contests, he is averaging 21.6 points per outing.
- In 15 matchups against Atlantic Division opponents, Miami’s point guard is averaging 20.8 points per game.
- Over his last five outings, Herro has averaged 18.6 points and 6.6 assists per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup twice during that stretch.
Prediction: Tyler Herro OVER 20.5 points
James Tillman’s Player Heat vs. Celtics Picks
- Player Prop Bet #1: Derrick White (Celtics) OVER 15.5 points
- Player Prop Bet #2: Tyler Herro (Heat) OVER 20.5
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