Top 3 NBA Betting Odds & Picks for Wednesday, May 25 (2022)
We’ve got a deadlocked 2-2 series on our hands as the Eastern Conference Finals head back to Miami for a pivotal Game 5 matchup. As it has been for all four games, the injury reports have dominated the headlines as both teams come into this game with a litany of questionables up and down their lineups.
Let’s take a look at where the value lies as tipoff approaches this evening.
#1. Heat First Quarter| -105 at DK Sportsbook
Ultimately losing 102-82, the Heat got out-hustled from the jump on Monday in Boston, falling behind 18-1 with around four minutes remaining in the first quarter. Now heading back to the friendly confines of FTX Arena in South Beach, the Heat are likely to not only come out more aggressive but get the whistles early as well.
Looking back over the past two games in Boston, the Celtics have gotten 40 more free throws. Whether that be from a lack of aggression or calls, I expect well-coached and veteran Heat to change that narrative tonight in Game 5.
#2. Heat +2.5 | -110 at DK Sportsbook
In addition to the slow start, the Heat were also hampered in Game 5 by not having Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro (quad) on the court. While he’s still listed as questionable and will at best be 60% tonight if he goes, his presence alone should open up this offense.
Heat star Jimmy Butler was also upgraded on today’s injury report from probable to active, as he will look to repeat his series-high 41 opening game performance. If the Heat can contain Celtics’ lead-man Jayson Tatum and keep Jaylen Brown in relative check, Boston has yet to show a serious third potential scoring threat.
The Heat, on the other hand, keeps a constant rotation of guys who can light up the scoreboard in Butler, Herro, and the ever-looming scoring potential of Bam Adebayo and Max Strus. With their back against the wall tonight back at home, I like for them to edge this one out late.
#3. Over 204 | -110 at DK Sportsbook
This series so far has been a story of runs, as each team has taken large leads in various quarters throughout the series. Game 1 Miami won the third quarter 39-14, as well as their first quarter in Game 3 39-18. And we’ve already touched on the Celtics’ start in Game 5.
Regardless, we’ve yet to have a truly explosive game from both teams, who are documented as able to put up points throughout the regular season. With Butler as seemingly healthy as he’s been since Game 1, and Herro back in the lineup for the Heat, look for points in buckets from the home team.
With Tatum and Brown desperate to not head home for an elimination game, ditto for the Celtics’ leading scorers.
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