There will be a repeat of the Eastern Conference finals in the NBA on Wednesday evening, as the Boston Celtics travel to Miami to take on the Heat. But, will either of the sides be able to lay down a marker for their plans in the NBA this season?
Celtics Building Momentum
The Boston Celtics were largely seen as favourites going into the finals series against the Miami Heat last season, but were eventually beaten. Their aim for the season is very straightforward- to go one better this term. They have started the season in great form and are already sitting comfortably in a playoff position. The Celtics have won five of their eight games so far this term, and have won the lionshare of their games on the road. Boston have won three from five away from their home court. They come into this game against the Heat in the best possible form, as they have won their last two.
Only the Philadelphia 76ers are on a better run of form at present. Boston came up against the Toronto Raptors in their last game on the road, and they beat the 2019 champions efficiently. It was a huge win for the Celtics, as they eventually ran out 126-114 winners. Jaysom Tatum was in stunning form in Tampa against the Raptors, as he scored 40 points from just 32 minutes on the court. Payton Pritchard added 23 points, while 19 points were added by Jaylen Brown, and 14 points were added by Grant Williams. The Celtics were dominant in all aspects of the game, as they averaged better success than the Raptors from the field, three-point range and the free-throw line.
Heat Looking For Consistency
It has been more of a struggle for the Miami Heat over the opening weeks of the season, as they have failed to find the consistency that will see them move up the table at any great speed. The Heat have won three and lost three so far this term. However, they will take confidence from the fact that they will have home court advantage, as all three of their wins have come in Miami. The most recent of those victories came against Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.
Miami won on that occasion 118-90. It was their most commanding performance of the season, with four of their stars scoring more than ten. Bam Adebayo led the team with 20 points, while Kelly Olynyk and Jimmy Butler scored totals of 19 and 18 respectively. The Heat were efficient from beyond the arc, as they scored on 47.1% of their efforts, which far outweighed the 27.1% that the Thunder managed.
Celtics @ Heat Prediction
This should be an exciting match-up in the NBA for fans. Both of these sides will be expecting to finish in the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, and it could feasibly be a series in the post-season. However, on this occasion, the home record of the Heat could be pivotal.
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