The Miami Heat will attempt to take a two game lead in the Eastern Conference Finals tonight when they host the Boston Celtics at the AmericanAirlines Arena. This evening’s Game 2 showdown between the Heat and Celtics is scheduled for an 8:30pm ET tip on ESPN. NBA Odds have Miami listed as a -8.5 against the spread favorite; the game total is set at 177.5 points. The Heat are drawing -430 odds on the moneyline while the Celtics are listed at +340 odds to even the series at a game apiece.
The Celtics looked over-matched and out-flanked on Monday night and the scoreboard reflected that fact as they lost Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals 93-79. Boston was out of it from the jump, falling behind 11-21 in the first quarter before getting out-scored 47-33 in the second half.
The Celtics, who have been an on and off bunch almost the entire postseason, shot just 39.5 percent from the field in the loss and they were out-rebounded 33 to 48. Kevin Garnett continued his solid playoffs, finishing the game with 23 points and 10 rebounds, but he was one of just three Boston players to score in double figures (Paul Pierce – 12, Rajon Rondo – 16). Boston’s bench totaled a mere 14 points in the ugly performance.
Miami, which won its fourth straight game in taking the series opener, was again led by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. The superstar duo combined for 54 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists in throttling the tired Celtics.
The Heat shot a lackluster 69.6 percent from the free throw line (16-of-23), but they connected on 36-of-72 from the field. James and Wade were mostly responsible for the high percentage with the former hitting 13-of-22 shots and the latter nailing 8-of-13 attempts.
Monday’s game snapped the Heat’s three game losing streak to the Celtics and it served as Miami’s sixth win in its last seven meetings with Boston at the AmericanAirlines Arena. Unfortunately for Doc Rivers’ crew, that ugly track record figures to continue tonight as the Celtics are 0-10 straight up and 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games as a road dog with a total between 175 and 180 points.
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2012 NBA Playoff Odds Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Game 2: Provided by TopBet.com
Boston Celtics +8.5 (-110), Over 177.5 (-110), +340 (Moneyline)
Miami Heat -8.5 (-110), Under 177.5 (-110), -430 (Moneyline)
