The Boston Celtics (24-15, 61 points, 3rd in Eastern Conference) take on the Miami Heat (21-19, 61 points, 8th in Eastern Conference) in an Eastern Conference matchup with playoff positioning on the line. Boston, coming off a tough loss but with a strong road presence, faces a Heat team that’s been inconsistent but formidable at home. This game could highlight Boston’s depth against Miami’s defensive grit, especially with key injuries affecting both sides.
Venue Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL (Capacity: 19,600).
Tipopff is scheduled for
7:30 PM ET (Broadcast: FDSSUN, NBCS-BOS).
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant absences, which could impact rotations and defensive schemes. Boston’s frontcourt depth is tested, while Miami’s backcourt faces uncertainty.
Boston Celtics:
PF Jayson Tatum (Achilles): Out until at least April 1 (season-ending potential).
SF Josh Minott (Ankle): Out (did not play in recent games).
G Jaylen Brown: Game-time decision (recently off report, but monitoring).
Miami Heat:
G Davion Mitchell (Shoulder): Doubtful (left shoulder contusion).
F Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Knee): Questionable (left knee soreness).
F Nikola Jovic (Knee): Probable (right knee soreness).
G Tyler Herro (Toe/Rib): Probable (right big toe/rib contusion).
G Pelle Larsson (Finger): Available (left 3rd mallet finger).
F Norman Powell (Back): Available (low back soreness).
G Terry Rozier: Out (not with team).
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
This Eastern Conference clash features intriguing battles between scoring wings and defensive anchors, with injuries potentially shifting focus to secondary options.
F Jayson Tatum (BOS) vs. F Jimmy Butler (MIA): Tatum (out with Achilles, but if cleared; 30.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG) is Boston’s primary scorer with elite three-level threat. Butler (20.5 PPG, 5.5 APG) is Miami’s two-way leader, known for clutch play and defense.
G Jaylen Brown (BOS) vs. G Tyler Herro (MIA): Brown (23.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG) brings athleticism and mid-range scoring. Herro (22.0 PPG, 40% 3PT) is Miami’s sharpshooter, capable of hot streaks.
F Kristaps Porzingis (BOS) vs. C Bam Adebayo (MIA): Porzingis (20.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 BPG) stretches the floor with shooting. Adebayo (18.5 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 4.0 APG) is Miami’s versatile big, out of a recent slump with strong rebounding.
Recent Team Forms
Boston Celtics (6-4 in last 10 games, +5 point differential):
The Celtics have been solid but inconsistent, averaging 115.0 PPG in their last 10 while allowing 110.0. Road form: 12-8. They’re coming off a 98-96 loss to Indiana on Jan. 13.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 13 | @ IND | L 96-98 |
| Jan 11 | vs SA | L 95-100 |
| Jan 10 | vs TOR | W 125-117 |
| Jan 8 | vs NYK | W 112-108 |
| Jan 6 | @ ATL | W 120-115 |
| Jan 4 | vs IND | L 105-110 |
| Jan 2 | @ MIL | W 118-112 |
| Dec 31 | vs TOR | W 125-120 |
| Dec 29 | @ BKN | L 100-105 |
| Dec 27 | vs CLE | W 115-110 |
Miami Heat (7-3 in last 10 games, +10 point differential):
The Heat have surged, averaging 118.0 PPG in their last 10 with stout defense (108.0 allowed). Home form: 14-6. They won 127-121 vs. Phoenix on Jan. 13.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 13 | vs PHX | W 127-121 |
| Jan 12 | @ OKC | L 112-124 |
| Jan 11 | @ IND | L 99-123 |
| Jan 9 | vs CHI | W 104-103 |
| Jan 7 | @ BKN | W 104-103 |
| Jan 6 | @ WAS | L 112-120 |
| Jan 4 | vs IND | W 135-127 |
| Jan 2 | @ CHI | L 114-121 |
| Dec 31 | vs ATL | W 115-107 |
| Dec 29 | vs NYK | L 91-103 |
Series History
The Celtics hold a commanding all-time edge in 141 regular-season meetings: 87-54 in favor of Boston (61.7% win rate). In playoffs, they’re tied 21-21 across six series. Boston has won 4 of the last 5 head-to-head, including a 129-116 victory on Dec. 19, 2025. At Kaseya Center, Miami is 29-43 vs. Boston. Recent games average 226 points, trending over in 6 of last 10.
Betting Trends
Moneyline: BOS is 17-9 as favorites; MIA is 12-11 as home underdogs.
Spread (ATS): BOS covers 53% as road favorites; MIA covers 58% as home dogs.
Total (Over/Under): Over has hit in 5 of BOS’s last 10 (avg. 225 points/game) and 5 of MIA’s last 10 (avg. 226). Head-to-head leans over (6 of last 10 over 230).
Trends: Heat are 7-3 ATS in last 10; Celtics are 5-5 ATS. MIA is 5-2 ATS as underdogs; BOS is 4-1 SU in last 5 vs. MIA.
Game Odds
Boston Celtics – 2.5
Miami Heat 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026
