We have a great Eastern Conference showdown on Friday night as the Boston Celtics host the Miami Heat.
Both teams are looking to snap out of slumps, but the clash of styles should make for a compelling game. It’s a classic matchup, with the Celtics’ free-flowing offense going up against the Heat’s intense defense.
Although Boston is a 6.5-point home favorite, my Heat vs. Celtics predictions are taking the points with Miami.
Read more in my best NBA picks for December 19.
Heat vs Celtics prediction
Heat vs Celtics best bet: Heat +6.5 (-110)
The Boston Celtics have surprised many with their strong play this season, as most expected this to be a tanking year with Jayson Tatum injured for the season.
Instead, an uber-efficient offense has Boston sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference standings as the holidays approach.
The Celtics enter tonight’s matchup against the Miami Heat with a 15–11 record, good for fourth place in what can only be described as a “down year” for the East. Boston ranks fourth in the NBA in offensive rating for a couple of reasons.
One is the incredible play of Jaylen Brown. The other is elite 3-point shooting.
Boston attempts and makes the third-most 3-pointers per game while playing at the slowest pace in the NBA. That combination makes tonight’s matchup against Miami a very intriguing clash of styles.
The Heat lead the NBA in pace while ranking third in defensive rating. They’re also the league’s best perimeter defense, holding opponents to just 32.2% shooting from beyond the arc.
Miami also draws a favorable matchup against a Boston defense that sits 18th in defensive rating. Norman Powell looks healthy, and if Tyler Herro can return after being listed day-to-day with a toe injury, this game could be closer than the spread suggests.
I like how the Heat match up against the Celtics here, so I’ll gladly back the road pups on the spread.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Heat vs Celtics same-game parlay
Davion Mitchell has emerged as a reliable secondary scoring option for the Heat, averaging 9.9 points per game while shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc and dishing out 7.7 assists.
Tonight, he faces a Celtics team that allows the third-most points per game to opposing guards. His point total sits at 8.5, which is a number that he's eclipsed in five of his last six games.
To round out this SGP, I’m backing Derrick White to clear 4.5 rebounds. White averages 4.1 boards per game and has surpassed this number in three of his last five contests.
The reason to like this leg is simple: thanks to their up-tempo style and tendency to play small, the Heat allow the second-most rebounds per game.
Heat vs Celtics SGP
- Heat +6.5
- Davion Mitchell Over 8.5 points
- Derrick White Over 4.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Big Bam Theory
The Celtics also struggle cleaning the glass at times, ranking 18th in rebounding rate.
Bam Adebayo averages 9.4 boards per game and has hit double digits in seven of his last 11 starts.
Heat vs Celtics SGP
- Heat +6.5
- Davion Mitchell Over 8.5 points
- Derrick White Over 4.5 rebounds
- Bam Adebayo Over 9.5 rebounds
Heat vs Celtics odds
- Spread: Heat +6.5 (-110) | Celtics -6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Heat +210 | Celtics -260
- Over/Under: Over 231.5 (-110) | Under 231.5 (-110)
Heat vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Heat have covered the 1Q spread in 34 of their last 43 road games (+24.85 Units / 50% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Celtics.
How to watch Heat vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Friday, December 19, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Sun, NBC Sports Boston |
Heat vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
