The Boston Celtics have won two of their last three games, but are coming off a disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic last night. The Miami Heat are also playing better, having won three of their last four games, including an overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
This game holds extra importance as both teams are vying for one of the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Miami is tied for eighth with the Indiana Pacers, and the Celtics are two and a half games back.
Projected Starting Lineups
Boston Celtics (25-36)
G Marcus Smart – 7.5 ppg, 3.4 apg
G Evan Turner – 8.7 ppg, 4.9 apg
F Jae Crowder – 8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg
F Brandon Bass – 10.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg
C Tyler Zeller – 9.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg
Miami Heat (28-34)
G Goran Dragic – 16.1 ppg, 5.1 apg
G Dwyane Wade – 20.9 ppg, 5.3 apg
G Henry Walker – 9.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg
F Chris Andersen – 5.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg
C Hassan Whiteside – 11.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg
What to watch for:
How many of Miami's injured players will play?
Goran Dragic, Luol Deng, and Hassan Whiteside are all listed as game-time decisions for tonight's game. It looks like Dragic and Whiteside will play and Deng will sit out, but if two or all three of them have to sit out, Miami's chances will take a huge hit.
How will Marcus Smart play?
Smart has taken over the starting point guard job in Boston after the Celtics traded Rajon Rondo, and his play has been inconsistent - not uncommon for a rookie. However, he was ejected from last night's game against the Magic after elbowing Orlando's Elfrid Payton in the face. How he responds from that (and how Brad Stevens may discipline him) will be key for the Celtics tonight.
Prediction: Heat win 97-90
Miami will get out to a sizable lead early, and Boston will fight back to make a game of it . However, the Heat will make the plays they need to make in the fourth quarter to pull out the win.
Back to the Boston Celtics Newsfeed