Miami shocked Boston with a fantastic 123-114 comeback at TD Garden in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals Wednesday. Jimmy Butler scored 35 points to lead six Miami players in double-figures. The Heat held Boston to just 10 of 29 from 3P range and forced 15 turnovers.
Can the Heat actually sweep the Celtics in Boston and take a 2-0 series lead? Will Boston show why they are nine-point favorites and even the series at 1-1 before heading to Miami? Our FTN NBA Betting model has been very profitable throughout the season, so make sure to check out our biggest edges on Friday’s exciting Game 2 battle in Boston.
NBA Best Bets
Derrick White Over 8.5 Points
(+100, FanDuel Sportsbook)
I hit this one last time in this space, and we go back to it for Game 2. Derrick White has beaten this number in:
- 67% of games this season
- 60% of last 10 game
- Three of last five games
- 77% of last 13 games against Miami
In fact, White has hit this number in eight of the last nine games against the Heat. Whether this game is a blowout, or stays close, White should see at least 20 minutes. He posted 11 points in just 21 minutes in Game 1.
Jaylen Brown Over 2.5 3PM
(+108, Unibet)
I’m banking on the bounceback game from Jaylen Brown, who managed only one 3PM in Game 1. Brown has beaten this prop in seven of the last 10 matchups, three of last five, and 57% of the time in the last 14 games against Miami. Brown was just 1-of-6 from deep Wednesday night but averaged 7.1 attempts at home during the season. Boston is a huge favorite, and I think Brown’s 3P accuracy will be key to getting a critical Game 2 win.
Max Strus Over 2.5 3PM
(-120, FanDuel Sportsbook)
I continue to love betting Max Strus during the playoffs. I cashed both his over 11.5 points and over 2.5 3PM in Game 1, despite just a two-point first half for Miami’s starting shooting guard. Strus has hit at least 3 3P in five of his last six games, and 55% of the time against Boston in the last two years. Those numbers are actually suppressed since he played most of those games with fellow 3P shooter, Tyler Herro. I’m going back to Strus, even on the road, in Game 2.