HEAT'S TO ELIMINATE CELTICS -game info

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Professional sports handicapper Jeff Grant previews Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at the AmericanAirlines Arena

At the time of this writing, the board is Boston Celtics +6.5 (2.14, +114) and Miami Heat -6.5 (1.8, -125)

Boston is on the brink of elimination from the Eastern Conference Semifinals after falling 98-90 at home in overtime to Miami. The Celtics are now down 3-1 in the series and their point guard is still suffering from a dislocated elbow injury that would have most sitting out. "Shorty's a real tough dude," said forward Kevin Garnett about point guard Rajon Rondo. "I've seen him play through some horrifying injuries." With Rondo unable to drive the lane like usual, forward Paul Pierce stepped up his offensive game, finishing with a team-high 27 points. Boston started out the first quarter shooting 66.7 percent en route to 31 points, but would shoot just 36.4 percent for the remainder of the game. Boston is 4-5 ATS revenging a home loss versus an opponent this year.
The Celtics certainly had their chances down the stretch to even the series, including a missed layup by Rondo with 1:11 left in regulation. Boston was unable to get a good shot to end regulation, as Pierce was forced to shoot wildly at the buzzer. In overtime, the veteran-laden team had more turnovers than points, but some in the locker room are looking forward to Wednesday's challenge. "When our back is against the wall, that's when we show great resilience," Garnett commented. "We'll see what we're made of." In Game 3's last 18:12, the Celtics scored just 17 points on 6-for-25 shooting.

Miami is in position to knock out its hated-rival in just five games and forward LeBron James enters with plenty of confidence after scoring a game-high 35 points on Monday night. The Heat locker room must focus on the task at hand and not worry about what lies ahead in the next round. "We can expect their best," head coach Erik Spoelstra stated. "We know we're getting their best effort and I'm sure they'll play well. We'll have to play better." James combined with guard Dwyane Wade for 63 points in Game 4, as both are aware this is a major step in reaching the Finals. "This is like an Eastern Conference finals type-of-buildup series," Wade stated. "And it's been played out that way." Miami is 18-27 ATS in home games this year.

Continued: Basketball Picks


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