The two best defensive teams in the NBA are competing for a place in the finals in the Eastern Conference Finals with Game 1 going to the Heat. Boston was quite happy going into the 3rd quarter with an eight-point lead but they were not aware that Butler had other plans for the Celtics scoring 24 of his 41 points in the 2nd half. Celtics were missing their defensive player of the year Marcus Smart, out with a foot injury and centre Al Horford who was ruled out just hours before the game due to health and safety protocols.
Miami has been the best team in the postseason in the 3rd quarter, scoring 27.2 points per 100 possessions in 11 third quarters in the first two rounds. Game 1 was no exception as they outscored the Celtics 39-14, a 25 point differential which is tied with the best differential so far in these playoffs.
Tatum and the Celtics had a good 4th quarter but not good enough to overcome 17 point deficit they had when they entered the 4th.
Match Preview Miami Heat
Miami looked a bit rusty in the first two quarters, they were sloppy with the ball and lazy on the defensive end. However, the halftime talk of coach Eric Spoelstra to his guys brought an entirely different Heat team out on the floor. Starting with Adebayo’s rejection and followed by Jimmy’s active hands stealing the ball led to easy fastbreak points for the Heat.
They know their identity is their defence which makes good things happen to them in transition. Herro looked smooth in the first half and carried the scoring load and he will have to continue doing the same in the next game as well. Miami will look to continue to lock up the Celtics defensively by switching the pick and rolls and forcing turnovers leading to easy buckets in transition.
Match Preview Boston Celtics
The Celtics were undermanned in game 1 missing two starters in Smart and Horford. However, they looked careless with the basketball in the 3rd quarter, thanks to some solid Heat defence and some lousy passes by the Celtics. Celtics have the best scoring duo in the series in Tatum and Brown, they need to take care of the ball more with Horford out for the next game as well and Smart’s status is still ambiguous. Pritchard will have to take the load of scoring in the next game as well just as he did in this one.
The Celtics will have to find a solution to Jimmy Butler, they cannot let him go for 40 every game.
Match Details
- Venue: FTX Arena, Miami, Florida
- Date: May 19th, Thursday
- Time: 7:40 PM ET USA
Best Picks
1. Jayson Taytum
The best offensive player in the playoffs so far who has carried his team and has made big shots during the entire playoffs. He has proved that he is the next superstar in this league.
2. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy is the hardest worker when he is on the court and the only player in the 2021-22 playoffs to have three 40 point games. He is an amazing two-way player and can not only score but guard multiple positions.
3. Jaylen Brown
He has been the 2nd best Celtics player in the series and is capable of scoring, assisting and rebounding the ball. A very well rounded two-way ball player.
Miami Heat Vs Boston Celtics Game 2 predicted Starting Line Up:-
Miami Heat:-
1. G.Vincent[PG]
2. J.Butler [SF]
3. B.Adebayo [C]
4. M.Strus [SG]
5. P.Tucker [PF]
Boston Celtics:-
1. D.White [PG]
2. J.Taytum [SF]
3. R.Williams [C]
4. J.Brown [SG]
5. G.Williams [PF]
Miami Heat Vs Boston Celtics Game 2 odds:
Miami is -175 on the money line at home whereas the Celtics are +140. The over/under for the game is set at 205.5 points.
Miami Heat Vs Boston Celtics head to head stats:-
They have played 129 regular-season games in total with Miami taking home 51 wins and the Celtics winning 78 games.
Miami Heat Vs Boston Celtics Game 2 Prediction:-
An interesting matchup of two heavy defensive teams going at each other, watching teams play extraordinary defence excites any basketball fan and we are in for a treat. Availability of the Celtics player will be a big question in game 2 and this might just help the Heat win game 2 as well at home.
Live Streaming: Where to Watch Miami Heat Vs Boston Celtics Game 2?
Espn Channel!
NBA App
Also Read : Top 10 Best NBA Players of All Time
