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Gordon Hayward Plans to Play Game 3 of ECF – Celtics Still 3-Point Favorites vs Heat

Quinn Allen

by Quinn Allen in NBA Basketball

Updated Mar 5, 2021 · 9:11 AM PST

Kemba Walker shooting a three point shot from the corner during a NBA game.
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker (8) from behind the arc during the Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers NBA basketball game on November 20, 2019, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
  • Down 2-0 in the series, the Boston Celtics are 3-point favorites heading into Game 3 against the Miami Heat
  • After missing the last month due to an ankle sprain, Gordon Hayward will be available off the bench for the C’s
  • Does he offer value to Boston as they look to get back into this series? Get the odds and best bet below

Currently in a two-game hole in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics are in search of a much-needed win on Saturday night against the Miami Heat.

The series opener was a hard-fought contest, but the Heat pulled out the victory in OT. Game 2 was dominated by the C’s in the first half, but Miami took over in the last two quarters to grab another win.

Boston will receive a boost to their lineup in Game 3 as Gordon Hayward returns and will be available off the bench.

Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Game 3 Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total Points
Boston Celtics -3 (-110) -154 Ov 207.5 (-110)
Miami Heat +3 (-110) +130 Un 207.5 (-110)

 

Odds taken September 19th at FanDuel

The latest Celtics vs Heat Odds are favoring Boston by three points.

Hayward Finally Returns to Action

After being sidelined for a month due to an ankle sprain, Hayward is returning at the perfect time for the Celtics. He’s a fantastic two-way player who could help Boston on both ends of the court.

Their offense hasn’t necessarily been an issue in this series though. Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, and Jaylen Brown have all done their part, but the defense has taken the foot off the gas pedal towards the end of the last two contests. Boston has had 14 and 17-point leads in both games, only to end up losing.

Before Hayward’s injury in the first round against the 76ers, he was averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 50% from the floor and 38% from three-point range.

Without a doubt he’ll give Brad Stevens another offensive weapon off the bench, even if it’s only for 15 minutes per night.

His ability to drain shots from all over the floor and drive to the hoop will help the C’s as they look to get back into the series. Defensively, the 30-year old is extremely reliable and after blowing leads in the first two games, Boston needs immediate help in this area.

Best Bet

Personally, I don’t see the Celtics losing for the third time in a row. They were completely in both of these contests so far before Miami made a comeback. They’re too talented to go down 3-0 in this series.

As for Tatum, Walker, and Brown, I think they will all have big games on Saturday night. Adding Hayward to the mix will absolutely help their case as well because he is an offensive and defensive weapon. He also brings a ton of experience to this lineup.

I do think it will be a close game just like the last two. But, the C’s will grab a victory and cut Miami’s lead to 2-1 and make this Eastern Conference Finals matchup a whole lot more interesting.

Pick: Boston -3 (-110)

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