2024 NBA Playoffs Preview: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat – Can Erik Spoelstra make another miracle happen with the Florida team?
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat – H2H
Boston Celtics Strenghts and Weaknesses
- Strenghts – The lineup that the Boston Celtics acquired this season through trades involving Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon is arguably the highest quality in the entire league. It seems that Jrue Holiday was the missing piece they needed, and alongside him are Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and another newcomer, Kristaps Porzingis. This lineup has led the Celtics to the fifth-best record in history when it comes to the margin by which they defeat opponents (11.3 points).
The Boston Celtics are the team with the best offensive rating in the entire league. They average 122.3 points per 100 possessions, which is nearly two points higher than the second-placed Indiana Pacers. Interestingly, in terms of defensive rating, the Celtics are in an impressive second place. They allow 110.6 points per 100 possessions, and the only team better than them in this aspect are the Minnesota Timberwolves. - Weaknesses – Looking at the pure statistics, it would seem that the Celtics have no competition in the entire league and that they will stroll to the title. However, not everything is ideal, and like any team, the Boston Celtics have their weaknesses. There are two major problems. The first is that this team lacks a winning mentality. Apart from Jrue Holiday, they don’t have a player who is an NBA title winner, and in recent years, they have suffered a large number of painful defeats.
The second major problem this team faces is its bench. If we look at the players who come in to support the biggest stars, there aren’t many names that would worry opponents. Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Oshae Brissett, Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman… There’s also Al Horford, an important piece in this team. But, as with most players, age catches up. Horford will soon turn 38, and his defense, for which he has been known throughout his career, is no longer at its peak. He doesn’t have the same quickness and isn’t able to keep up with guards on switches as effectively.
Miami Heat Strenghts and Weaknesses
- Strenghts – The Miami Heat’s defense is something that has been yielding results for them this season. They are at the top of the league in terms of defensive rating, as well as the percentage of secured defensive rebounds. Moreover, what has been characteristic of Erik Spoelstra’s team for years is their ability to find solutions when dealing with injuries. The bench players are always ready to contribute, and that may be the team’s strongest weapon. Countless times we’ve seen Spoelstra solve problems by inserting players from the end of the bench. However, now he will have to put in extra effort to find the right solution for Butler’s absence.
- Weaknesses – Although they have an excellent defense, the biggest problem for the Florida team this season is their offense. They are currently ranked 21st in the league in offensive rating, which will be a significant issue against the Celtics’ stellar defense. Often, they find themselves in scoring droughts during games and struggle to score points for several minutes. And now, they won’t have their best player Jimmy Butler. Against the Boston Celtics, every scoring drought like that will likely mean a lost game.
X-factor: Caleb Martin
Caleb Martin vs Boston Celtics
— A Walking Highlight (@11AWH) May 30, 2023
26 PTS
10 REB
3 AST
1 STL
11/16 FG
4/6 3P
+14 in 44 minutes.#Heat W.#HEATCulture pic.twitter.com/QRshurGZag
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat: Three things to watch
- Jrue Holiday – Last summer, the Boston Celtics decided to make significant changes to their lineup. Instead of Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart, they acquired Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. It seems like a perfect fit. In Holiday, they got a player who has been one of the best defenders at his position throughout his career. Additionally, he has a fairly diverse offensive arsenal. This season, he’s averaging 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Maybe not at his previous season’s level, but improvement is certainly expected in the playoffs.
Looking at his shooting percentages, he’s shooting better from three than in previous seasons, while his two-point shooting is significantly above his career average. He has better percentages than in previous years, while scoring between six and seven points less on average. This means that the Boston Celtics have a huge asset in him, a player who doesn’t mind moving to the corner if needed, but also someone with vast experience who is ready to take responsibility at any moment. -
Kristaps Porzingis vs Bam Adebayo – Porzingis is in some ways an improved version of Horford. He averages 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He represents a much larger offensive presence, while in defense, his long wingspan and excellent agility for his height are definitely a huge advantage for the Celtics. He will face a direct duel with one of the best defensive centers in the league. Bam Adebayo has been selected four times to the All-Defensive Second Team. He’s capable of handling many defensive tasks, excels in switches, and it’s certain that in the absence of Jimmy Butler, he will be the most important piece for the Florida team.
- Miami Heat’s defense – If we look at the defensive rating, the Heat’s defense is at a high fifth position. However, they will face the league’s best offense, so it will be interesting to see which adjustments Erik Spoelstra will try to implement. The Miami Heat is also a team that, after the Sacramento Kings and Orlando Magic, collects the highest percentage of defensive rebounds (73.4%). It will be necessary for them to maintain this throughout the series if they want to compete evenly against the Celtics.