Celtics vs. Heat

[Betfair]

Professional sports handicapper Jeff Grant previews Game 1 of the highly anticipated Eastern Conference series between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat

At the time of this writing, the board is Boston Celtics +4.5 (2.04, +104) and Miami Heat (1.93, -108)

Boston was able to take care of business in its opening round series with the New York Knicks by sweeping past them, gaining some valuable rest and squashing any momentum its opponent was trying to gain. "You don't want to give a team confidence, regardless of getting rest," said forward Paul Pierce. "Any little kind of confidence you give a team you never know what can happen." The Celtics are also aware that they face a major test in the second round, especially considering that forward LeBron James is on a more talented team then one's of the past. The team should enter with plenty of confidence knowing its won 18 of the last 21 meetings overall against Miami. Boston is 9-4 ATS as an underdog this season.

The Celtics completed a first round sweep of the Knicks on Easter Sunday, marking their first series sweep that they have had since the 1991-92 playoffs. Boston's series win also marked just the second time in NBA history that a team completed a four game sweep of an opponent in which a different player led the team in scoring outright in each contest. Leading the offensive charge on a consistent basis is forward Paul Pierce, who is currently ranked 13th in Celtics history in playoff games played. He's averaging a team-high 22.3 points in this year's playoffs.

Miami spent $51 million during the offseason to not only get to this matchup, but blow through the doors and win an NBA championship. The Heat will collectively look to help James get past a previous nemesis in the playoffs and target a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. "It is personal," said James. "It is. Absolutely right. You don't want to keep getting beat by the same team, the same team that keeps sending you home to plan a vacation." Miami dropped three of its four meetings this season with Boston and will now meet for only the second time in postseason history. They first met last postseason as Boston won the 2010 First Round series, 4-1. Miami is 16-27 ATS at home this season.

The Heat are making their sixth Eastern Conference Semifinals appearance in franchise history. Miami set new franchise records for a five-game series against Philadelphia in total rebounds, defensive rebounds, blocked shots and free throw percentage. Guard Dwyane Wade has been a catalyst on the offensive side, as he brings in 15 career postseason double-doubles, which is tied for the most-ever in team history. Rebounding may be a key in this series due to Miami coming in off a dominant series on the glass, out-rebounding Philadelphia by +33 in its five-game series.

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