Boston @ Miami picks

Caleb Martin has averaged 0.2 technical fouls per game over the last 5 games while at home, 0.2 higher than he's averaged overall this season at home. The matchup vs. the Celtics is a tough one for field goals; the opposition's starting PFs have compiled the 8th-lowest Field Goal% in the league this year (45.7%). The Miami Heat have played at the slowest pace in the NBA this year. The Celtics have played at the slowest pace-of-play in the league over the last 15 games, which should lead to decreased plays for the Heat. The Miami Heat check in as the worst offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 25 games playing at home (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them may therefore reduce extra chances for scoring and assists).

The matchup vs. the Heat is a hard one; they have allowed the 14th-least points per game in the NBA to the opposing team's starting PGs this year (16.6). The Boston Celtics have played at the most lethargic pace-of-play in the NBA over the last 15 games. The Heat have played at the most sluggish pace in the NBA this year, which should reduce plays for the Celtics. The Boston Celtics have been the worst offensive rebounding offense in the league this year (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them may therefore eliminate extra chances for scoring and assists). The matchup against the Heat is a tough one for getting to the free throw line; the other team's starting PGs have attempted a lowly 3.7 free throws per game this year (6th-least in the NBA).

The Miami Heat have played at the slowest pace in the NBA this year. The Celtics have played at the slowest pace-of-play in the league over the last 15 games, which should lead to decreased plays for the Heat. The Miami Heat check in as the worst offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 25 games playing at home (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them may therefore reduce extra chances for scoring and assists).

The Heat have given up the least offensive rebounds per game (9.3) in the league to the other team this year (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them can therefore eliminate extra chances for scoring and assists).

The Miami Heat rank as the 10th-most aggressive offense in the league this year when it comes to 3-point attempts. The Celtics have allowed the least offensive rebounds per game (8.5) in the league to opposing clubs over the last 15 games (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them can therefore reduce extra chances for scoring and assists). Kevin Love will have the benefit of the home court advantage in this contest. Playing in your home city usually raises player performance for all stats.

Marcus Smart has averaged 2.6 personal fouls per game this year, placing him among the most-whistled players in the NBA (85th percentile). The Boston Celtics have played at the most lethargic pace-of-play in the NBA over the last 15 games. The Heat have played at the most sluggish pace in the NBA this year, which should reduce plays for the Celtics. The Boston Celtics have been the worst offensive rebounding offense in the league this year (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them may therefore eliminate extra chances for scoring and assists). Marcus Smart will not possess the home court advantage in this matchup. Playing without the home court advantage generally reduces player performance in all facets of the game.

Gabe Vincent has successfully made 2.4 three-point shots per game over the last 15 games, 0.6 more than he's made from 3-point range in all games this year. Gabe Vincent has averaged 33.6 minutes per game over the last 5 games, 7.3 more than he's averaged in all games this year. The Miami Heat rank as the 10th-most aggressive offense in the league this year when it comes to 3-point attempts. The Celtics have allowed the least offensive rebounds per game (8.5) in the league to opposing clubs over the last 15 games (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them can therefore reduce extra chances for scoring and assists). Gabe Vincent has sunk 98.0% of his free throws over the last 10 games, 14.7% more than he's converted overall this season.

Max Strus has tallied 0.2 technical fouls per game over the last 5 games, 0.2 higher than he's tallied overall this season. The Miami Heat have played at the slowest pace in the NBA this year. The Celtics have played at the slowest pace-of-play in the league over the last 15 games, which should lead to decreased plays for the Heat. The Miami Heat check in as the worst offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 25 games playing at home (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them may therefore reduce extra chances for scoring and assists).

Max Strus has tallied 0.2 technical fouls per game over the last 5 games, 0.2 higher than he's tallied overall this season. The Miami Heat have played at the slowest pace in the NBA this year. The Celtics have played at the slowest pace-of-play in the league over the last 15 games, which should lead to decreased plays for the Heat. The Miami Heat check in as the worst offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 25 games playing at home (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them may therefore reduce extra chances for scoring and assists). The matchup vs. the Celtics may be a difficult one for getting to the free throw line; opposing starting SGs have attempted just 2.0 foul shots per game over the last 25 games (13th-least in the NBA).

The Heat have given up the least offensive rebounds per game (9.3) in the league to the other team this year (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them can therefore eliminate extra chances for scoring and assists).