The Celtics head down to South Beach in a gigantic two games to zilch hole, but playing some better defense could lead to a more welcoming result for the Irish. The Heat have averaged 117 points in the first two games, while shooting 52% from beyond the arc in Game 1 and got a season high 25 points from Caleb Martin in Game 2. A lot of factors led to the over being 2-0 so far in this series. In game 1, both teams shot an extremely high % from the field, as well as a 7 game high in field goals made. Not to mention, Miami scored a whopping 46 points in the 3rd quarter. Then the pace definitively slowed down in game 2, yet the over scrapped and battled its way over the number. Including 36 fourth quarter points from the Heat, and 13 points in the final minute. Some might say, well it’s the final minute there are usually a lot of points, but not necessarily in a tight game. Which is what I foresee happening tonight. The last 4 match-ups between these two in Miami have led to under’s, and 2 of the 4 by a 20 point + margin. Point blank, Miami plays a physical, contested type of defense. They move the ball on offense at a snail’s pace, limiting possessions at both ends. Jaylen Brown and Al Horford have gone ice cold from downtown in this series, leaving all the work to Jason Tatum. I think this is going to be a slower paced game, with potentially a lot of bricks. All favoring the under. This will be a 2 unit play for me on the under, 214.
