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Gordon Hayward will be available for the Boston Celtics in Game 3 after missing the past month due to a sprained ankle. Photo by @HoopsRumors (Twitter)
- Down 2-0 in the series, the Boston Celtics are 3-point favorites heading into Game 3 against the Miami Heat
- After missing the last month due to a sprained ankle, Gordon Hayward will be available from the bench for the C
- Do you offer Boston value as they wait to return to this series? Get the odds and best bet below
Currently at a two-game hole in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics are looking for a much-needed victory Saturday night against the Miami Heat.
The first game of the series was close competition, but the Heat took the victory in overtime. Game 2 was dominated by the Cs in the first half, but Miami took over in the final two quarters for another win.
Boston will get a boost to its lineup in Game 3 when Gordon Hayward returns and will be available from the bench.
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Game 3 Odds
| Equipment | Spread | Money line | Total points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celts | -3 (-110) | -154 | Ov 207.5 (-110) |
| Miami Heat | +3 (-110) | +130 | A 207.5 (-110) |
Odds taken on September 19 on FanDuel
The last Celtics vs Heat Odds are favoring Boston by three points.
Hayward is finally back in action
After being out for a month with a sprained ankle, Hayward is back at the perfect time for the Celtics. He’s a fantastic two-way player who could help Boston on both ends of the court.
However, his offense hasn’t necessarily been a problem in this series. Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown have done their part, but the defense has taken their foot off the gas towards the end of the last two games. Boston has been 14 and 17 points ahead in both games, only to end up losing.
Barring a setback in the pregame warm-ups, there is significant optimism within the Celtics that forward Gordon Hayward (sprained right ankle) will be active to play in Game 3 against Miami tonight, sources told ESPN. After missing a month, Hayward offers a considerable boost for the Boston bank.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 19, 2020
Before Hayward’s injury in the first round against the 76ers, he was averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 50% from the floor and 38% from three-point range.
Without a doubt, it will give Brad Stevens another offensive weapon from the bench, even if it’s only for 15 minutes a night.
His ability to drain shots from across the floor and drive to the rim will help the Cs as they seek to return to the series. Defensively, the 30-year-old is extremely reliable and after losing the lead in the first two games, Boston needs immediate help in this area.
Best bet
Personally, I don’t see the Celtics lose for the third time in a row. They were completely in both contests so far before Miami returned. They are too talented to go 3-0 in this series.
As for Tatum, Walker and Brown, I think they will all have great games on Saturday night. Adding Hayward to the mix will absolutely help your case as well because it is an offensive and defensive weapon. He also brings a ton of experience to this lineup.
I think it will be a close match like the last two. But the Cs will get a win and cut Miami’s lead to 2-1 and make this Eastern Conference Finals showdown that much more interesting.
Pick: Boston -3 (-110)
Quinn Allen
Sports writer
Quinn Allen is a sports journalist, experienced and educated in television journalism (BCIT ’17). He writes about European football, basketball and baseball for numerous sites around the world.
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