Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics picks, predictions: Who wins NBA Playoffs series?

The No. 8 seed Miami Heat and No. 2 seed Boston Celtics face off in the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Which team will win the series and advance to the NBA Finals?

Check out these picks and predictions for the NBA postseason series.

Sporting News: Celtics will win series vs. Heat in 7 games

Jordan Greer writes: "Don't let the seedings fool you. This series feels like a legitimate toss-up. Behind the brilliant coaching of Erik Spoelstra, the Heat are a disciplined group and will follow the game plan on a nightly basis. Despite what Jimmy Butler may tell you, "Playoff Jimmy" is a real thing. He is capable of single-handedly swinging games. Joe Mazzulla doesn't have the same level of postseason experience as Spoelstra, and he has made some questionable decisions in his first season. These Celtics have also shown that they can be inconsistent with their execution. Some of their losses are truly confounding. But player for player, Boston does have the talent advantage. We'll give a slight edge to Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and the rest of the Celtics."

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Draft Kings: Celtics will beat Heat in six games

Ben Hall writes: "You can never count Butler out, but that Game 7 win just had a different feeling to it for the Celtics. They’re the favorite to win the NBA Finals at DraftKings Sportsbook and they should be. Tatum looks to be on a mission and the Celtics have a great chance at redemption from last season. I think Miami will give Boston a few problems at home, but I think the Celtics will pull this series out in six games with more overall talent."

Fansided: Heat will defeat Celtics in seven-game series

Peter Dewey writes: "The Heat not having Tyler Herro is tough, but I think the team is being disrespected, especially with Bam Adebayo playing one of the best postseasons of his career. I’m going to go out on a limb and take Miami to continue its Cinderella run and win this series in seven games."

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Betting Pros: Bet Celtics to win series vs. Heat

Ryan Rodeman writes: "Boston has, however, shown weakness, especially at the defensive end. Games against both Atlanta and Philadelphia where the defense seemed disinterested led to long grueling series. Miami is a well coached team with experienced playoff performers. They’ll look to try and ugly these games up with the hope of forcing this series to go long again. As the last two seasons showed us, these teams foil each other well and I expect this to go six or seven games. Boston should pull it out in the end, but Miami won’t go down without a fight."

The Ringer: Celtics have an 85% chance to win series vs. Heat

The site gives Miami a 15% chance to win the Eastern Conference Finals against Boston.

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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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