Preview: Celtics Begin Two-Game Series vs Heat to Determine Play-In Status
AP Photo | Marta Lavandier
The Celtics lost to the Chicago Bulls in their last game, 121-99. Tonight marks the beginning of a two-game series vs. the Miami Heat that will have huge implications on playoff seeding.
HOW TO WATCH
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
Time: 1:00 p.m. (EST)
Channel(s): ESPN
PLAYER STATS
Miami is paced in scoring by Jimmy Butler (21.6), who also leads the team in assists (7.2) and steals (2.1). Bam Adebayo is the team’s leading rebounder with 9.0 a game and pitches in 18.9 points and 5.4 assists. The Heat have five more double-digit scorers as well, making for an all-around attack - Tyler Herro (15.1), Kendrick Nunn (14.3), Goran Dragic (13.3), Duncan Robinson (13.0), and Victor Oladipo (12.0).
Although Jayson Tatum still leads the team in scoring on the season (26.3), he only managed to put up nine points in Boston's loss to Chicago. Tatum shot 3-15 from the field and 0-7 from deep. Kemba Walker has been carrying the load offensively, averaging 32.5 points over the last two games. Evan Fournier has also been hot over the previous five games, putting up 13.2 points on roughly 56-52 shooting splits.
RECENT GAMES
The Heat have been on fire lately, winning seven of their last ten games and three of their last four. They are 36-31 on the season, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Boston has dropped six of their last ten games. They are 35-32 this year, one game back of the Heat in the standings. They currently hold the tiebreaker over Miami and need to win at least one of the next two to keep it that way.
INJURIES
Victor Oladipo is out for tonight’s game as he continues to deal with a knee issue. In addition, Andre Iguodala is questionable.
For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown (sprained ankle) will not play in tonight’s game. On top of that, Robert Williams is probable with turf toe.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Over the last five games, the Heat have had the best offensive rating in the NBA (122.7) and are top ten in points scored (119.0). Over that same stretch, the Celtics have one of the worst defensive ratings (116.8). Marcus Smart will have to lead the charge on that side of the ball because a lackluster defensive effort just won’t get it done tonight. The C’s are going to have to bring the energy.
Miami has eight different players averaging ten or more points in the last five games. They get production in many places, so the Celtics will not be able to focus their defensive efforts in one place. As Brad Stevens mentioned in his press conference after the last game, rotations will have to be crisp. There is no time for standing around on defense.
Lastly, the Celtics have been on fire from three-point range in their last five games (42.3%). They are also top ten in assists over that same stretch (26.6). The ball has been moving well on the offensive end. If that can continue tonight, the C’s should be in a solid place to take home the win.
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 @GuyBostonSports on YouTube and Facebook. See you there at 12:30 p.m. (EST) tonight!
