NBA Betting: What to Make of the Heat’s Stunning Game 2 Win Over the Celtics

The Miami Heat stunned the NBA world on Wednesday when they stole Game 2 from the top-seeded Celtics. Their 111-101 road victory came after losing the first game by 20 points, leaving many bettors wondering if the Heat could once again pull off a Cinderella playoff run.

Below, we’ll share how our USA Legal Betting experts are viewing the series after the Heat’s improbable win. We’ll provide the latest odds and insights you need to bet confidently on the remainder of this Eastern Conference Playoff series at betting sites.

The Heat’s win has led online betting sites to tighten their odds on the series winner, but still have Boston as a big favorite. Here are the latest odds from bet365 sportsbook:

The series is currently tied at 1-1 after Miami’s Game 2 win. The first game was a lopsided affair as the Celtics won 114-94. Boston was able to control the game thanks to making 44.9% of their three-point attempts and out-rebounding Miami 44-34. It was an impressive win, but it came against a Heat team that was without Jimmy Butler.

Butler remained out for Game 2, but the Heat managed an impressive 111-101. Miami won by closing the gap on the rebounding advantage from Game 1 and making a ridiculous 53.5% of their three-point attempts. Caleb Martin and Tyler Herro led the impressive effort from beyond the arc, going a combined 11-17.

While Miami’s Game 2 win was impressive, they had a historic shooting night. That’s unlikely to happen in another game this series, much less in three more. That’s a problem that is made worse by the fact that Jimmy Butler is unlikely to play in the series. Butler was the driving force behind the Heat’s Cinderella run last season, so his absence has a major impact.

With Butler out, a lot of pressure is on Tyler Herro to earn the massive contract the Heat gave him. He had just 11 points in Game 1 but broke out for 24 points and 14 assists in Game 2. Miami needs the version of Herro from that win, but consistency has been an issue for the young shooter. If he can stay hot, he and rookie Jamie Jaquez Jr. could help keep this series close.

Boston has far more talent, but they have had issues against weaker opponents. The team has tendency to take their foot off the gas and shift into cruise control against weaker teams. There has been concern that this Achilles heel could haunt them in the playoffs, as it did in Game 2.

The Celtics are finding out something that Bucks fans have known for years: Jrue Holiday is an offensive liability in the playoffs. The veteran is an elite defender, but he is 6-20 (30%) from the field in the first two games of the series. He made 48% of his shots during the season, making the drop-off noticeable.

We still believe Boston wins the series with Butler out, but if Miami can win Game 3 and put Boston on its heels, it could make a massive difference.