Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Game 1 (April 21)

In what is a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics will face each other in the first round of the Playoffs this time around. The Celtics are one of the biggest contenders for the NBA title this time around after finishing with a 64-18 record, the best this year in the NBA.

Jimmy Butler and company have not had a similarly straightforward season and find themselves against the no. 1 seed after battling it out in the Play-In tournament. The Heat lost out against the Philadelphia 76ers in an epic manner which meant they faced the Chicago Bulls in a must-win.

They responded rampantly, with Tyler Herro scoring a 24-point double-double and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 21 points. However, with Jimmy Butler out, they face a huge battle against a team likened by many as the title favorites.

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics preview, prediction, odds and betting tips

The Heat will visit the TD Garden for game 1, which is set to tip off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Facing a fully fit Celtics, the Heat are against a side that has gone 3-0 in the regular season series between the two teams. Without their best player, the Celtics are the obvious favorites to start strongly.

Moneyline: Heat +675 (bet $100 to win $675) | Celtics -1100 (bet $1100 to win $100)

Spread: Heat +13.5 (-110) | Celtics -13.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): 208.5 (O: -115 | U: -108)

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics preview

The Boston Celtics ended the season back to their very best with wins against the Washington Wizards and the Toronto Raptors. They come into this series with a fully fit roster, barring Luke Kornet. The Miami Heat had issues getting to the Playoffs, but were in an optimistic mood until Butler’s injury was announced.

They needed a massive effort on both ends of the court to stay afloat in the Play-in encounter against the 76ers. Against a hapless Chicago Bulls, a quick start was enough to make way for a straightforward 112-91 record.

However, as the postseason now gets to its business end, the writing seems to be on the wall for the Heat.

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics starting lineups, subs and rotation

The Miami Heat in the absence of Jimmy Butler can be expected to stick to the lineup they had against the Bulls. Facing the most impressive team in the NBA this season, the Heat will want to stick to their strengths.

Jaquez Jr. will start alongside Nikola Jovic with Bam Adebayo in the center. Caleb Martin will replace Jimmy Butler with Tyler Herro as his partner in the backcourt.

The Boston Celtics on the other hand, rested their major stars for the final regular season game, which means their superstar-rich lineup will be fit and ready to go.

Jrue Holiday and Derrick White will be the starting guards, with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum as forwards. Kristaps Porzignis should start at the center in game 1.

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Betting Tips

There is little doubt that this is one of the most lopsided series of this year’s first-round playoffs. The Miami Heat have been dealt a huge blow by the absence of Jimmy Butler, which makes a difficult job even tougher. The Heat will start off at TD Garden and much of the game might depend on how well they are able to restrict an offensively-stacked lineup.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will both be expected to deliver big nights, while the Heat might once again depend on the likes of Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics prediction

In their home arena, the Celtics have all the elements in their favor. They enjoyed a comfortable end to the regular season which gave them the luxury of resting their superstars. All signs point to a dominant series for the Celtics, although the Miami Heat are more than capable of pulling off surprises.

Of course, without Jimmy Butler, things might prove to be too difficult, right from the beginning.