Heavyweights clash in the Eastern Conference finals when the Miami Heat host the Boston Celtics on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists Miami as the 3.5-point favorite in the latest Celtics vs. Heat odds, while the Over-Under is set at 207. (see up-to-date odds for every game this week on our NBA odds page). 

Before making any Celtics vs. Heat picks, you NEED to check out the NBA predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters the conference finals round of the 2022 NBA playoffs on a stunning 87-59 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning over $2,100. Anyone following it has seen HUGE returns!

The model knows Miami forward Jimmy Butler is a legitimate producer on both ends of the floor. Butler plays top-notch defense and has an all-around offensive game to accompany that. The six-time All-Star is an explosive finisher who is also a great passer. The Marquette product is leading the team in points (29.8), rebounds (7.7) and assists (5.4). In the Game 1 victory, Butler racked up 41 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. 

The model also knows Boston guard Jaylen Brown possesses fantastic athleticism and leaping ability. Brown constantly attacks the lane and can finish around the basket with regularity. The California product has good ball handles, allowing him to win his one-on-one matchups to create his own shot. Brown is averaging 22.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Brown logged a 24-point, 10 rebound double-double in the Game 1 loss. 

Now, it has set its sights on Celtics vs. Heat. We can tell you the model is leaning Over the total, and it also says one side of the spread hits almost 60 percent of the time! You ABSOLUTELY need to see it before locking in any NBA picks.

Who wins Celtics vs. Heat? And which side of the spread hits almost 60 percent of the time? ... Join SportsLine right now to find out which side of Celtics vs. Heat spread you should be all over Thursday, all from the model on a roll on NBA picks!