The big picture

Boston Celtics come in 2nd on the ladder; Miami Heat are 18th. Boston Celtics have the higher position to protect.

Boston Celtics are 7–2 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 114.8 points for and 105.1 against.

Miami Heat are 3–6 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 116 points for and 122.6 against.

Form

Boston Celtics have won four of their last five and most recently beat Charlotte Hornets 119–80.

Miami Heat have won three of their last five and most recently lost to Golden State Warriors 100–120.

Head to head

These sides have met 132 times on our records since 2001: Boston Celtics 79, Miami Heat 53.

Last time out (2025-26), Boston Celtics won 147–129 at Kaseya Center.

Boston Celtics have won the last four against Miami Heat.

Biggest margin between these two: Boston Celtics by 34 points in 2023-24 (118–84).

Players to watch

For Boston Celtics, watch Jayson Tatum (27.9 points a game, 50 rebounds in 2026-27) and Paul George (19.6 points a game, 44 rebounds in 2026-27).

For Miami Heat, watch Giannis Antetokounmpo (27.3 points a game, 114 rebounds in 2026-27) and Bam Adebayo (18.6 points a game, 76 rebounds in 2026-27).

At TD Garden

Boston Celtics have won 18 of their last 23 at TD Garden.

The deeper numbers

Boston Celtics are NBA's best first-quarter side in 2026-27: +6.8 points a game in first quarters.

Boston Celtics have won their last 5 games at TD Garden.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, Boston Celtics go in as clear favourites.