Through three games, the Eastern Conference Finals has been an intriguing matchup with no shortage of excitement.
The Heat struck first with a comeback win in Game 1, only for the Celtics to respond with a dominant Game 2 victory. In Game 3, Miami made its mark early but almost ran out of gas, as Boston's comeback attempt from 26 points down fell just short.
While the Heat hold a 2-1 series lead, they've only won two of a possible 12 quarters in the series: the third quarter of Game 1 and the first quarter of Game 3. Ahead of Game 4, it feels as though these teams are beginning to figure one another out.
Here's everything to know about Celtics vs. Heat, including updated odds, trends and predictions for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
MORE: Full schedule, dates, times for 2022 Eastern Conference Finals
Celtics vs. Heat odds for Eastern Conference Finals Game 4
- Spread: Celtics -6.5
- Over/under: 208.5
- Moneyline: Heat +215, Celtics -260
(betting odds per FanDuel Sportsbook)
After losing in Game 3, the Celtics are again betting favorites in Game 4. Boston is 3-2 ATS in its last five games, with the two exceptions coming in Games 1 and 3 of this series.
4 betting trends to watch
Bounce-back C's
The Celtics have not lost consecutive games during these playoffs, bouncing back each time with statement victories.
In this series, the Celtics bounced back from a Game 1 loss to earn a resounding 25-point victory in Game 2, thanks in large part to the returns of Al Horford and Marcus Smart to the lineup.
Dating back to the end of the regular season, Boston is 4-1 ATS following a loss.
Bam's breakthrough
It's no secret that Bam Adebayo was the difference in Game 3.
After scoring a combined 16 points in Games 1 and 2, Adebayo did what he called "pick up his weight" in Game 3, scoring a team-high 31 points (on 15-of-22 shooting) to go along with 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals.
MORE: Bam Adebayo dominates Game 3 as Heat take 2-1 lead
Adebayo was markedly more aggressive on both ends of the floor as if he saw some new things to exploit in Boston's defense. If Adebayo's performance in Game 3 was that type of breakthrough, you could see more of the same in Game 4.
Jaylen Brown
Just as we all suspected, Jaylen Brown is leading all scorers through three games in the Eastern Conference Finals.
In Game 3, Brown scored a playoff career-high of 40 points while shooting 14 of 20 (70.0 percent) from the field and 3 of 9 from 3-point range.
For the series, Brown is now averaging an efficient 29.3 points and 9.0 rebounds, shooting 55.6 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from deep. As Boston's No. 2 option, Brown has been able to find his spots in Miami's defense, something he could continue to do as the series progresses.
Good as Brown has been this postseason, he's only scored 25 or more points four times in 14 games.
The injury report
In Game 3, the injuries got out of hand, with a number of players impacted by various ailments.
For the Celtics, Robert Williams III was ruled out with a knee injury pregame, while Marcus Smart (ankle) and Jayson Tatum (neck) briefly exited the floor but returned.
The Heat saw Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker hobble into Game 3 only for Jimmy Butler to be ruled out for the second half with the knee injury that caused him trouble in the opening round of the playoffs.
INJURY UPDATES: Jimmy Butler | Robert Williams III
Tatum has been ruled as OK to go in Game 4 and while Butler's injury is not deemed as serious, a definitive ruling for his status in Game 4 has not been made.
Smart's ankle injury, however, could worsen ahead of Game 4, and we've already learned of his importance in the series. The healthiest team standing could be the one that takes Game 4.
Celtics vs. Heat expert predictions
Against the spread
Celtics –6.5. Boston can ill-afford to fall into a 3-1 series deficit and will come with a heightened sense of urgency from the get-go. Head coach Ime Udoka challenged his team following Game 3 and they will be sure to respond to his words.
In alignment with Boston's trend of responding well to losses, it will again come out with a heightened sense of urgency as it did in Game 2.
Over-under
Over 208.5. While both teams are defensive-minded, the series has been defined by runs and game-changing offensive bursts. In Game 1, the teams combined to score 225 points. In Game 2, the teams combined to score 229 points. And Game 3 saw the teams combine to score 212.
Based on what we've seen so far in the series, more scoring is in store for Game 4.
Player prop
Jayson Tatum over 27.5 points. The final step to Tatum becoming a full-fledged superstar is an improvement in his consistency. In Game 3, the 24-year-old had a night to forget, finishing with 10 points on 3-of-14 shooting from the field. It was just the third time this postseason that Tatum has scored fewer than 20 points.
MORE: Jayson Tatum calls Game 3 performance 'unacceptable'
What can we learn from the previous two occasions?
In the opening round, Tatum followed a 19-point performance in Game 2 with 39 points in Game 3. In the Conference Semifinals, Tatum followed a 10-point performance in Game 3 with 30 points in Game 4. He's earned a reputation of responding in a big way.