Boston vs. Miami

A pair of strong defensive rivals clash with two coaches who teach and preach great defense. Boston is 13-5 UNDER the total as an underdog and they will have to lean on defense as the offense is dealing with key injuries to guards Kemba Walker (knee), Marcus Smart (thumb), and Jeff Teague (ankle). Boston is playing its fourth road game in a row, while Miami comes off a 118-90 rout of Oklahoma City on Monday. Miami beat the Celtics in six games in the playoffs and the Heat has covered the spread in five of the last seven meetings. The Celtics are 1-7 ATS after a spread cover, 1-5 ATS playing with one day of rest. Also, Boston has not covered its last four games after winning its previous game by at least 10 points. Meanwhile, Miami is on a 19-8 ATS run, including 17-5 ATS versus winning teams. In addition, Miami is eighth in the NBA in points allowed and fourth in field goal defense, allowing 43.5% shooting. Miami is 81-53 UNDER the total at home off a win by 20-plus points, so back home court in a defensive duel. Play Miami to cover and play this game to stay UNDER the total.