2020 NBA Playoffs: Heat vs. Celtics Game 5 odds, pick & prediction

The Miami Heat are on the brink of one of the most unexpected NBA Finals berths in nearly 20 years, and all they need is one more win. But even with a 3-1 deficit hanging over them, the Boston Celtics have no plans of going quietly, and hope to keep their Finals aspirations alive.

Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals tips off on Friday, Sept. 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET, and BetAmerica has the preview and pick for what should be another memorable game.

Herro caught fire in Game 4

The Celtics looked like they were going to turn the page on this series after a monstrous Game 3 performance, but they failed to carry that momentum over to the next game. Jayson Tatum went cold in the first half, and his vicious second half rally wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Boston failed to contain Tyler Herro, who went off for 37 points in the 112-109 Heat win.

What’s frustrating for the Celtics is this was another game where they statistically outplayed Miami, only to be undone due to a critical moment. In this case, they became Miami from the last game, coming out cold and eating a loss. Considering the fragile state of the Celtics locker room and the 3-1 hole, can Boston hold it together to turn the series around?

Miami's defense led the way

Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo handled business on both sides of the ball and Goran Dragic provided extra damage from beyond the arch. Miami’s defense produced 19 turnovers, nine of them steals, and head into Friday’s showdown ready to close up shop. Paramount to their success is their defense and staying in striking range of the Celtics if they fall behind.

It’s going to take a physical game for Boston to break Miami’s zone coverage, which has been their bane this series. Boston’s stars have put up respectable stats up to this point. At the same time, they’re exhausted from Miami’s coverage. All Miami needs is to keep the pressure and continue to force mistakes, making their efforts futile in the end.

Playing hard won't be enough for the Celtics

For a team that two days ago were at each other's throats and already on the brink of implosion, the Celtics are still playing hard. Unfortunately for them, Miami is playing harder, and they'll nab their biggest win of the series on Friday night and head to the NBA Finals. 

NBA pick: Miami moneyline