It all come down to tonight as the Celtics and Heat clash in Game 7 series finale in order to determine which squad will represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. This evening’s contest is scheduled for an 8:30pm ET tip at the American Airlines Arena in Miami; it will be broadcast live on ESPN. NBA Odds have the hosting Heat listed as a -7.5 against the spread favorite; the Over/Under is set at 178.5 points (-110). Miami is a -420 moneyline favorite (risk $420 to win $100) while Boston is listed as a +330 moneyline dog (risk $100 to win $330).
Miami was a favorite in Thursday’s Game 6 showdown at the TD Garden, but based upon the 1.5 point spread, the odds maker and betting public expected Boston to make a game of it. Both parties were mistaken.
The Heat jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, cruising to a 98-79 to avoid elimination. The much maligned LeBron James quieted his critics for at least a night, pouring in 45 points on 19-of-26 shooting. James also grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out five assists. As a team Miami, which won the rebounding battle 44 to 34, shot 48.7 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from beyond the arc.
The Celtics suffered through their first ‘tired’ performance in a while as they looked out of it from the jump. Boston shot just 42.7 percent for the game and it connected on only one of its 14 three point attempts.
Rajon Rondo led the team with 21 points (10 assists), but no other Celtic had more than 12 points. Paul Pierce was particularly ineffective, scoring nine points on 4-of-18 shootings.
Despite Boston’s Game 6 showing, anything less than a championship effort from the club tonight would be surprising. Yes, Miami has been exceptional at home most of the season, but it has lost two games at the AmericanAirlines Arena in the playoffs. Would anybody be surprised if the Heat came up short tonight?
NBA Odds Betting Trend: The Celtics are 5-3 straight up and 6-2 against the spread as a road dog against Miami with a total between 175 and 180.
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2012 NBA Playoff Odds Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Game 7: Provided by TopBet.com
Boston Celtics +7.5 (-110), Over 178.5 (-110), +330 (Moneyline)
Miami Heat -7.5 (-110), Under 178.5 (-110), -420 (Moneyline)
