The Miami Heat did what was expected from them based on article II of this column. Game 2 could be a different performance, or it could be double vision. The Heat match up well versus any Eastern Conference team, but are difficult to predict in their strategy. They play the fundamentals very well, and are consistent in their identity… Great defense, ball movement/high percentage shots. However, Boston has the ability to outscore any opponent when they are on. The harsh truth is the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics have been the most inconsistent teams of 2023, and relying on them from a game to game betting perspective is risky.

BETS OF THE NIGHT:
Under 215.5 Points. The most realistic two scenarios are the Celtics play amazing defense, score early, and both teams have their second unit playing in the fourth quarter. Or Miami’s amazing defense keeps them in the game, and this becomes a low scoring game (a la WCF game 2). The over is in play as Tatum’s Point line is at 29.5 points. Bet .5 Unit on the under.

Max Strus OVER 12.5 Points. The same philosophy of this prop in game 1 applies. Strus has been a foundational part of this team in the playoffs and will continue to be so in game 2. Bet 1.5 Units on this prop.

Golden Triangle
Center – Robert Williams has played 26+ minutes in the past three games. He will be asked to play aggressive and scoop his average of 7 boards in that span and improve on his 10 points per game in the same duration. If the seconds go this game, it benefits Williams immensely.
Forward – Jayson Tatum is inconsistent for his expectations, but he is still a fantasy scoring machine. His 40.6 fantasy points of game one were his lowest in his last six games. He he will likely outperform his projection, however high it is.
Guard – Jaylen Brown has been the rock steady pillar for the Celtics. He has had 34.5+ fantasy points in ten of his last eleven games. Read that last sentence again… If you do not have Brown on your team, you will not win.

Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final is unpredictable, and loaded with All-Star talent. That alone makes it must watch TV.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy