Miami Heat

The Western Conference is between No. 9 and No. 13, with Portland No. 10. Right now, that’s enough for a final play-in spot, but they don’t want a four-way draw for this, with the other team only half a game away. So, they’re on the road, 14-19 on the season, and they’ve played a stressful match in March. They did so without starting center Jusuf Nurkic, and his starter Anfernee Simmons is also questionable.

According to the source, the probability of winning three consecutive games was once more than 92%, and the Boston Celtics lost three straight games. Boston has had one of the best records in the NBA for most of the season, but they’ve lost four of their five games so far, which, combined with Milwaukee’s insane 17-1, put them in third place in the Eastern Conference. The playoffs are clearly on the horizon, but last season we witnessed the value of a Game 7 at home against the Bucks.

The Celtics come off a tough 1-4 run, and they’re starting a six-game road trip after this game. Boston has boo by home fans lately, and the Celtics faithful will demand a strong performance in their match, especially with Tatum on the floor. Portland has won their last two games but played against a young rebuilding team. The Trail Blazers have performed poorly on the road this season, losing at least three of their previous three away games to teams currently in the playoffs. The losses are 17 and 18, respectively. Boston’s defense is far ahead of Portland’s, which should make a difference in a convincing win. The Celtics will win this match.