Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals tips off tonight as the series shifts to Boston where the Heat will face off against the Celtics. Boston is coming off of a blowout win on the road, and will look to ride that momentum here tonight, while Miami is hoping to bounce back to retake the series lead tonight.
Game 3 tips off from TD Garden in Boston at 8:30 pm ET on ESPN.
The betting angles:
Tonight's line is set with the Celtics at -6 with a -270 moneyline, while the Heat are +6 with a +220 moneyline.
Why the Celtics can win and cover -6:
Boston showed that if they shoot the ball well they have the ability to dominate in this series. The defense when at full strength is never a question, as Miami has had extreme difficulty finding high quality looks. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart all had fantastic offensive performances in Game 2 and will be looking to repeat that effort tonight. A key for Boston will be to crash the defensive glass. Miami does a great job getting extra possessions by grabbing offensive rebounds, so if Boston can limit them on that end while still playing their typical defense, they could take a series lead tonight.
Why The Heat can win and cover +6:
The Heat have Kyle Lowry back in the lineup tonight, which will certainly give them an all around boost tonight. Bam Adebayo has also been extremely quiet in this series so far, so it shouldn’t be too surprising if he provides Miami with some offensive firepower tonight with his starting point guard back in the lineup. Jimmy Butler has been phenomenal in this series, and will most likely continue to be. If Lowry produces like his all star self Miami could be set to bounce back tonight.
The Pick: Take Boston -6
Boston has been the better team in seven of the eight quarters in this series. Besides an atrocious third quarter in Game One Boston has controlled the series and will be set do the same on their home floor tonight. The Celtics have proven to be deeper than Miami so far, which is why they should be able to cover tonight.
