The Boston Celtics are in a familiar fight at the top of the Eastern Conference alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers. Still hunting for the top seed, they enter the clash against the Heat four games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a 56-19 record. However, things are looking on the up. They come into this game having won six on the trot, which is the longest winning run on the road they have had since a 5-0 run in February 1973.
At the same time, there is plenty to keep fans worried, especially because multiple stars have missed games in recent weeks. Jaylen Brown did not participate in the win over the Memphis Grizzlies, the fifth game he missed this month. Further, Kristaps Porzingis has missed ten games since the loss against Cavaliers last month, which may still play a big role in deciding the final seeds.
The Celtics are now against a team that has purred into gear of late. The Heat come into this game off a having won five on the trot themselves, as they look to rise up that table. Led by Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro in recent weeks, this winning run comes just weeks after they lost ten on the trot, back in March. Regardless, we open with the injury status for the Boston Celtics.
According toESPN, Al Horford is doubtful for Wednesday’s game due to a toe injury, while Jrue Holiday (shoulder), Kristaps Porzingis (return-from-illness reconditioning), and Jaylen Brown (knee) are all listed as questionable. Their availability will likely be determined closer to game time, as the team monitors their recovery progress. Moreover, their opponents appear to be in the same boat, too.
Image Credits: IMAGN
The Miami Heat will be without several key players for Wednesday’s game against the Boston Celtics. Nikola Jovic (hand), Kevin Love (personal reasons), and Duncan Robinson (back) have all been ruled out. Additionally, Andrew Wiggins is sidelined due to right hamstring tendinopathy, while Dru Smith is out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon.
In what appears to be a cracking tie, the Celtics will be hoping that the rest of their stars deliver points. The Heat may have struggled to get going at home this season (18-19). However, things have appeared to click once again at just the right time, and although not many fans will be hoping for a win, their recent form may allow room for optimism.
Heat’s depth chart
Considering both Brown and Porzingis are questionable and Jrue Holiday is out, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard may be the starting guards. Tatum starts alongside Xavier Tillman with Luke Kornet as the center.
Starting Lineup
Second Unit
Third Unit
Tyler Herro
Davion Mitchell
Terry Rozier
Alec Burks
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Pelle Larsson
Haywood Highsmith
Kyle Anderson
Bam Adebayo
Kel’el Ware
Celtics’ depth chart
Tyler Herro and Alec Burkes are expected to be the guards, with Bam Adebayo and. Haywood Highsmith as the forwards. Kel’el Ware can be expected to be the starting center.
Starting Lineup
Second Unit
Derrick White
JD Davison
Payton Pritchard
Baylor Scheierman
Sam Hauser
Jordan Walsh
Jayson Tatum
Neemias Queta
Luke Kornet
Xavier Tillman
There is an obvious gap in talent that both teams have available. The Boston Celtics are looking to defend their title, and need wins in order to finish the season strongly. The Heat need to continue their run in order to rise up, beyond the play-in places. They are currently 9th, two games behind the Hawks, and more importantly, just one ahead of the Chicago Bulls. The potential return of multiple stars means that the Heat may finally run out of fuel, and the Celtics, for obvious reasons, remain favorites for this one.
The match tips off at 7:30 PM ET, on Wednesday.
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