Boston Favored: Celtics vs Heat Game Analysis
The rivalry continues between these two teams on Friday when they meet in Miami. Since 2023, the Celtics have dominated this rivalry, winning both contests this season and the playoff series last year.
The Heat will be without point guard Terry Rozier, who continues to recover from a neck problem. Davion Mitchell (quadriceps), Alec Burks (shoulder) and Josh Richardson (shoulder) are questionable for the game.
The Celtics have several players who have day-to-day status for Friday’s game:
- Torrey Craig (ankle)
- Jaylen Brown (shoulder)
- Kristaps Porzingis (quad)
- Xavier Tillman (knee)
- Al Horford (toe)
Strong Numbers: Boston Celtics Recent Scores
The Celtics ended a five-game winning streak last night with their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 118-112. That makes three losses in the last ten games. But they’re still safely in second place in the Eastern Conference, eight games behind the Cavaliers, who are on an astounding 15-game winning streak.
The Celtics have remained relatively consistent, averaging 116.9 points per game this season and 115.2 points per game in the last 10 games. The same goes for their points allowed, 108.2 for the season and 108.5 in the last 10 games. They show no signs of slowing down.
They are seventh-best in the league on offense and third-best on defense. But they shine in 3-pointers, being at the top of the NBA, averaging 17.8 per game.
Struggling: Miami Heat Recent Scores
The Heat continued their losing streak by dropping one to the Clippers last night. That’s five in a row and seven of their last ten.
Miami’s top scorer, Tyler Herro, is averaging 23.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Other key players are Bam Adebayo, with 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists per contest, and Andrew Wiggins, who posts 17.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per match.
The team performs better at home, with a 15-15 record vs 13-20 away. Unfortunately, Boston plays better on the road, with a 24-7 record compared to 23-11 at home. So much for home-court advantage.
Upset is Only Hope: Celtics vs Heat Prediction
On paper, the Celtics are the stronger team, a #2 seed compared to the Heat’s #8 seed. When they last took on the Heat on February 10th, it was a low-scoring 103-85.
Miami will have to use Bam Adebayo, with his two-way play, to disrupt Jayson Tatum’s rhythm. Their half-court grind will try and slow down Boston’s fast-paced game. That’s their only hope of keeping Boston’s numbers low.
The pressure will be on Tyler Herro to play his best game and put up his best numbers, so his team can have a better result than they did in February.
Miami might have a better game than their last meeting, but it won’t be enough to vanquish Boston. Our Celtics vs Heat prediction is another relatively low-scoring game, with Boston ending up on top, 110-98. Remember to follow us at PayPerHead to never miss a game analysis.
