Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat game preview, injury report, and info - November 4, 2021
Reuters.com
Last night the Boston Celtics were able to take care of the Orlando Magic. However, they now face their tallest task of the season on night two of a back-to-back. Tonight they face off against the Miami Heat, a team that could easily be chosen as the best team in basketball right now.
How to Watch
Location: FTX Arena, Miami, Fla.
Time: 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Channel(s): NBC Sports Boston, NBA League Pass
Team Breakdowns
Boston picked up a crucial win last night against a struggling Magic squad, 92-79. It was a nice bounce-back win after an ugly loss to the Bulls, but the night did not come without drama. During the game, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Celtics held a players-only meeting when they arrived in Orlando. Unfortunately, he also stated that the meeting got “emotional” and was not “beneficial.” There are definitely some issues to work out there, but they got the win regardless.
In the win, Jaylen Brown looked absolutely incredible once again. He was Boston’s best player on the offensive side of the ball and was getting whatever he wanted at the rim. Meanwhile, Al Horford put up another solid performance as well, recording his usual three blocks. Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart also played well, despite not filling up the stat sheet. Tatum was a much more willing passer last night, while Smart also put his elite passing abilities on full display.
As mentioned, Miami has been one of the best teams in the league this season. Jimmy Butler just took home Eastern Conference Player of the Week, and Tyler Herro is making an early bid for the Sixth Man of the Year award. The Heat are
Injury Report
Josh Richardson is the only player listed on the Boston Celtics injury report for tonight. He is listed as questionable due to a left foot contusion.
Meanwhile, Miami has a few players listed. Victor Oladipo remains out after going down late last season. Former Celtic Max Strus is also out for the game tonight, as he will miss several weeks with a left knee sprain. Lastly, KZ Okpala is questionable due to an ankle injury.
Keys to the Game
Boston needs to shoot better from the field. This isn’t to say that they need to generate more open looks, or that they need to get past Miami’s defense, both of which they also must do. Instead, this is speaking to the fact that they have seemingly missed every open shot they have gotten in the past two games. Tracing all the way back to the Bulls game, they are missing way too many good looks. Once those easy baskets start falling, then the rest of the buckets will come with them.
While last game the key for Jayson Tatum was to calm down, he now needs to step it up. This slump has been killing the Celtics all season, and they will really need him tonight. The Miami Heat are one of the best defensive teams in the league. If Boston’s supposed best player is still not shooting the ball well, then their chances of winning decrease by a significant amount. If there was ever a time for Tatum to break out of his slump, it would be in tonight’s game.
Lastly, Boston’s defense needs to be on point. The Heat are too talented of a defensive team for the Celtics to be hyper-focused on their offense. The best way to beat Miami is to beat them at their own game. Boston’s defense has to be unstoppable tonight, and that all starts on the perimeter. Miami loves to work the ball inside, but if the C’s can stop them from getting there, it would be a huge help. By the time they do get the paint, hopefully, Al Horford can be waiting for them.
Pregame Show
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, “The Banner Town Build Up.” We are live 30 minutes before every Celtics game at @GuyBostonSports on YouTube and Facebook. See you there at 7:00 p.m. (EST) tonight!
