The Miami Heat (28-24) and the Boston Celtics (40-12) play each other in Miami today. However, they will not see Jimmy Butler as he will be absent due to personal reasons. Regardless, the away team is favored. Although his absence will be felt, it remains a pivotal game for the home team.
The Celtics are currently in first in the East, whereas the Heat are sitting eighth. Regardless, a win will mean a lot for both sides. Also, records aside, both need to prove to themselves that they belong in championship-caliber discussions. What are the other stats and trends you need to know before taking action on this game?
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Miami Heat | +7.5 -112 |
O 225 -110 |
+225 |
| Boston Celtics | -7.5 -108 |
U 225 -110 |
-278 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Boston Celtics @ Miami Heat
Date And Time: February 11, 2024 @ 2:00 p.m. EST
Location: Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida
Key Stats
Boston Celtics (Averages)
Points: 120.6
Points Allowed: 111.1
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.4/90.6 for 47.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 16.2/42.8 for 37.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.8/21.9 for 81.1%
Rebounds: 10.8 Offensive, 36.7 Defensive, 47.5 Combined
Assists: 26.0
Steals: 6.5
Blocks: 6.6
Turnovers: 12.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 41.8/92.9 for 44.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.3/37.9 for 35.0%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 14.3/19.0 for 75.4%
Rebounds Against: 11.3 Offensive, 32.9 Defensive, 44.3 Combined
With or without Jimmy Butler, I’d like the Boston Celtics here. The Heat made a move well before the trade deadline to get Terry Rozier. Also, how he’ll fit in the rotation remains to be seen. However, defensively you have to like how the Celtics size should be able to create some mismatches by targeting him. Additionally, without Butler (personal reasons) the scoring should go up for this team today.
Looking for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to have big scoring contributions today! It would have been nice to see how the duo respond to Butler’s pressure, but for today they will look to impose themselves as the best players on the court. Additionally, the market immediately responded and the line shifted 1.5 points more in the visitor’s direction. However, even that may not be enough as things can get ugly quickly.
Miami Heat (Averages)
Points: 110.5
Points Allowed: 110.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 39.5/89.5 for 45.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.3/33.2 for 37.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 19.0 /23.2 for 82.2%
Rebounds: 9.6 Offensive, 32.5 Defensive, 42.1 Combined
Assists: 25.9
Steals: 7.3
Blocks: 3.2
Turnovers: 12.3
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.8/86.2 for 47.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.5/36.9 for 36.9%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.7/20.5 for 76.6%
Rebounds Against: 9.4 Offensive, 33.6 Defensive, 43.0 Combined
The Miami Heat playing the Boston Celtics was always going to be tough. However, without Butler, it may be impossible. Also, Bam Adebayo will realistically need to have a career game. However, the Celtics have too many good players and too many horses to not match and far exceed any scoring production. Rozier or Tyler Herro need to step up, but that will be difficult against the away team’s guards with their size.
However, they need to drive to the basket early and often. Their only path to victory is to get Boston in early trouble, forcing them to get out of rotation. Especially if Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are forced to go to the bench early, Adebayo could have an easier time inside.
Game Prediction
However, it’s not realistic to see the Boston Celtics dropping this game. Even if players from the Heat step up, it’s an uphill battle. Regardless if Butler was able to go or not, I would have liked Boston, but now, even with the market swing, I am still picking them to cover. Additionally, I think the home side will struggle to get points and carry their end of the points needed to hit the total.
Final Pick: Boston Celtics -7.5 and Under 225
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
