Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are one round away from going to their second finals appearance in three years. The Boston Celtics are the road block sitting in their way. Head coach Erik Spoelstra and his squad will be put to the test against a team that took down the defending champions in a lopsided game seven. Fortunately, Miami did have a little more rest and this series is certain to produce some electricity.

Force Other Players to Step Up Besides Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum has averaged 28 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds a game in the playoffs and has been the spark on Boston’s remarkable postseason run. The Heat have a defense equipped to limit his play and to force other players to step up in the Celtics lineup. Tatum has become more turnover prone in the playoffs as his average has gone up since the regular season. If the Heat can keep up the defensive intensity that they showed against Philadelphia, they can make Tatum become less of a factor in the series.

It isn’t like Boston doesn’t have guys that can step up. Jaylen Brown has averaged around 23 points a game and Grant Williams had an explosive game seven versus the Milwaukee Bucks dropping 27 points. Both could be guys for Miami to keep an eye on throughout the series but eliminating Tatum’s game is vital to the Heat giving themselves a chance in the series.

Let Jimmy Butler Continue to Shine

Jimmy Butler has been nothing short of sensational in the playoffs; currently averaging 29 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and is shooting above 35% from three point land. Butler also has limited his turnovers to under two a game in the postseason making himself Miami’s offensive nuke over the course of this playoff run thus far.

A concern for the Heat would also be the return of Boston big man Robert Williams who should be ready for game one Tuesday night. This means Bam Adebayo will have a good defensive player on him that Philadelphia lacked putting on him in the last series. The Celtics also are second in the league in blocks per game meaning a lot of shots close to the rim may be denied by the Celtics big men.

Butler also may want to give his teammates some opportunities to create points. Newly named sixth man of the year, Tyler Herro, had a great series against Philadelphia as he now is averaging 14 points a game in the postseason and Max Strus is continuing his surprisingly good year with 12.5 points per game in the playoffs. Butler can be the difference maker in this series and could send Miami to the franchise’s seventh championship series.

Take Advantage of Your Home Crowd in South Beach

Heat fans can really taste a legit shot at the title now that they are one of four teams left in the running. They are going to flock to FTX Arena for games and they will have the Heat’s back. It is critical that the Heat take their games at home seriously as games one and two will be in South Florida. Miami found themselves finishing 29-12 at home during the regular season. They also are undefeated at home during the playoffs through the first two series.

The Celtics have also been lethal at home for the majority of the season. They finished the regular season 28-13 at TD Garden which is one of the tougher atmospheres in the league to play in. The home courts will definitely come into play in this series, especially with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.

Game one will be Tuesday, May 17th, at 8:30 p.m.

Check out our VIDEO preview of the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Finals matchup/series. Click here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySUlVr9mLfU&t=53s

Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat Series Preview https://t.co/vb4dhy95yQ

— FL Teams (@FLTeams) May 17, 2022