NBA picks: Celtics vs. Heat, Rockets vs. Blazers

Tuesday’s NBA schedule has a little something for everyone. Fans of stalwart defenses will find plenty to enjoy as the Boston Celtics try to put the clamps on the Miami Heat at 6:00 p.m. ET. Both teams are holding opponents to under 109 points per game this season, and have been among the stingier squads in Orlando. Those who like free-flowing offense are in for a treat as the Houston Rockets try to outgun the Portland Trail Blazers at 9:00 p.m. ET. We have odds and picks for both matchups below.

Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat

Is Miami a true NBA title contender? The Heat’s impressive .627 winning percentage and recent drubbing of Portland would seem to suggest so, but their record against the Celtics tells another story altogether.

Miami is 0-2 against Boston this season and was outscored by 27 points in those two losses. Yes, that was another lifetime ago before the pandemic, but little has actually changed for the Heat in the past five months. Erik Spoelstra’s squad still struggles to score and turns the ball over at an alarming rate.

Both of those issues were painfully evident in Miami’s 107-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday afternoon. The Heat shot just 42% from the floor and 31% from beyond the arc and turned the ball over twice in the final two minutes of play. Those mental mistakes erased what could have been a triumphant come-from-behind victory.

While Miami is still licking its wounds, Boston is basking in the glow of its 128-124 win over Portland on Sunday. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 64 points as the Celtics shot 60% from deep and 54% from the field to improve their record in Orlando to 1-1.

The well-rested Celtics likely won’t go 18-30 from beyond the arc again tonight, but they should be able to handle an emotionally and physically drained Heat squad playing its second game in 24 hours.

NBA free pick: Celtics -4

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The scoreboard operator could be in for a serious case of carpal tunnel syndrome following Tuesday night’s tip-off between the Rockets and Blazers. Both teams rank in the top five in offensive rating and are averaging more than 130 points per game after their first two contests in Orlando

Houston came storming out of the gates on Friday night with a 153-149 overtime victory against Dallas. James Harden dropped 49 points in 43 minutes, but was far from the only red-hot Rocket, as six other players finished in double figures.

Sunday’s 120-116 victory over the Bucks also featured its fair share of offensive fireworks, as Houston tied a franchise record with 61 three-point attempts. Granted, they only converted 21 of them, but the Rockets’ trigger-happy approach helped open Mack-sized driving lanes for Russell Westbrook, who finished with a team high 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Houston is a far better team when "Brodie" attacks the tin and allows his teammates to set up in the corners.

Scoring hasn’t been an issue for the Blazers, who hung 140 points on the Grizzlies in their opening night overtime victory on Friday. CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard combined for 62 points in the winning effort.

Seeing McCollum and Lillard’s names atop the score sheet is nothing new, but the Blazers’ dynamic duo has been joined lately by Jusuf Nurkic, who is averaging 24.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game since returning from a leg injury. The Bosnian Beast should have his way again tonight against Houston’s small ball lineups.

Expect buckets galore and another Rockets victory this evening in Orlando.

NBA free pick: Over 244.5