Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics picks, predictions, odds: Who wins Game 1 of NBA Playoffs?

jeremy cluff, arizona republic

Sun, Apr 21, 2024, 12:09 AM·2 min read

The No. 8 seed Miami Heat and No. 1 seed Boston Celtics play Sunday, April 21 in Game 1 their first-round 2024 NBA Playoffs series for the Eastern Conference.

The game is scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific time (1 p.m. Eastern time) and can be seen on ABC (stream with Sling TV).

Who will win the game and take a 1-0 lead in the NBA Playoffs series?

Check out these NBA Playoffs picks and predictions for the Eastern Conference matchup.

The Celtics are a 13.5-point favorite over the Heat in NBA Playoffs odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook.

Boston is -1100 on the moneyline. Miami is +675.

The over/under for the game is set at 208.5 points.

ESPN: Celtics have an 83% chance to beat Heat in Game 1

The site gives Miami a 17.1% shot at defeating Boston in the first game of the NBA Playoffs series.

Sports Betting Dime: Celtics 115.4, Heat 108

The site's formula predicts that the Celtics will beat the Heat in Game 1 of their NBA postseason series on Sunday.

Odds Trader: Celtics 112, Heat 99

The site predicts that Boston will defeat Miami in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs series, with a final score of 112-99.

Will the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat in Game 1 of their NBA Playoffs series? NBA picks, predictions and odds weigh in on Sunday's game.

Vegas Insider: Take the Heat with the points vs. Celtics in Game 1

Michael Crosson writes: "As previously noted, I don’t necessarily think the Heat have the juice to win four of seven in this series. But I do think Miami has the ability to make things difficult for Boston and turn a few of these matchups into competitive, low-scoring struggles. Plus, now might be the time to catch Boston’s stars a little bit rusty, considering Jayson Tatum has played twice since April 7, and Kristaps Porzingis has played just 25 minutes during that same time frame. I don’t particularly “love” it. But I’m going to pinch my nose and take the points with Miami in Game 1."

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

STREAM THE GAME: Watch Heat vs. Celtics NBA Playoffs game with Sling TV

WANNA BET? Here are the latest NBA odds and betting lines

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics NBA Playoffs Game 1 picks, predictions