Tuesday NBA betting: Miami Heat at Boston Celtics

The Miami Heat still have an outside shot at taking the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but the Heat would need to win their final two games and the Chicago Bulls lost their final two. That’s not likely to happen for Chicago, so it’s not expected that the Heat will go all out in their final two games but get their stars some rest. So tonight’s Heat-Celtics matchup in Boston won’t be your typical game between the teams. Bet on the game at WagerWeb.com.

Boston also is locked into the No. 4 seed to the C’s also could rest some guys. For example, Ray Allen is out for sure with an ankle injury. Coach Doc Rivers previously called Allen’s injury not of the serious variety, but he hasn’t played since April 10 and has already been ruled out for Tuesday.

“It’s still being a little troublesome, but it’s getting better,” he said.

Although Allen ran on it for the first time in a few days on Monday, it doesn’t sound like he’s closing in on a return. Avery Bradley will continue to see extended minutes at shooting guard. Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo both will play tonight. Rondo hasn’t practiced in a week and his back remains sore, but Rivers expects him to be available. If Rondo is unable to suit up, Keyon Dooling would draw another start at point guard in his place.

It’s not clear which if any of Miami’s Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh will play. LeBron was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the sixth time this season Monday. The Heat went 4-1 last week, with the only loss coming against the Wizards when James didn’t play. During the week, James averaged 31 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.25 steals while shooting 57.5 percent from the field, 50 percent from behind the three-point line and 87.8 percent from the free-throw line.

James isn’t hurt but Wade (finger) and Bosh (muscle fatigue) both are battling ailments.

Boston holds a 2-1 edge in the series, including winning the last two: 91-72 in Boston April 1 and 115-107 in Miami on April 10. The Heat’s 28 home wins are the most in the league and their 28-5 record is the second-best winning percentage in franchise history to 2004-05 (.854)

Place your NBA basketball bets at our online sportsbook!