As the Miami Heat prepare to take on the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, a look at three things to watch in Game One.
The last time the Miami Heat were in the Conference Finals, it resulted in a Finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs, and LeBron James’ exit for Cleveland. They could meet him again, on opposite sides of the court, if they can advance past the Boston Celtics and make a Finals appearance.
After sweeping the Indiana Pacers in round one with ease, Miami won their five-game series with the Milwaukee Bucks after Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with an ankle injury. Now, the Heat will face off against a young and very talented Celtics team with eyes on a championship.
Jimmy Butler’s first season in South Beach couldn’t be going any better. Can he lead this Miami team past a Boston team that just went seven games with the Toronto Raptors? A look at three things to watch for in Game One on Tuesday night.
Will Erik Spoelstra roll out a different starting lineup?
When speaking with the media after practice on Monday, head coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged that the Boston Celtics are a much different team than Indiana or Milwaukee. Will it result in a new look for the Miami Heat in the starting lineup in Game One?
It would be a surprise to few, given coach Spoelstra’s decision having altered his starting five as recent as the seeding games at the beginning of the NBA’s restart. But at the same time, they could very well roll out the lineup that’s seen them go 8-1 this postseason.
Boston features a number of different shot makers, requiring a different attempt and strategy from the Heat defense. Watch for an announcement just before gametime on Miami’s starting five, it’s got as good a chance as being different as it does staying the same.
Which Kemba Walker is going to show up for the Boston Celtics?
When the Boston Celtics brought in perennial All-Star point guard Kemba Walker last offseason, they likely expected him to be leading the charge for this team come playoff time. That hasn’t been the case however, with the 30-year old having had an up-and-down postseason.
He didn’t start off bad though, as he opened things up with a strong showing in the Celtics’ series sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. Walker averaged 24.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals over the four-game span.
Then in their seven-game series with the Toronto Raptors, he couldn’t get going against the title defending defense. Walker posted just 17 points, 6.1 assists, and four rebounds. Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet certainly played a part in his slump, but the point guard was missing his shots.
Given it’s a factor that could very well determine the length and legitimacy of this Conference Finals, watch to see how Walker starts this series off against the Miami Heat.
Is Jimmy Butler going to set the tone in Game One once again?
“Playoff Jimmy” Butler has lived up to the hype thus far, having lead the Heat to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. And he’s done so by serving as their tone setter in each of the first games of their two series against the Pacers and Bucks.
Butler put up 28 points, four assists, four steals, and two blocks in Game One in the first round, and exploded for 40 points in their Game One win in the second round.
Expect to see Butler be aggressive yet again in Tuesday’s matchup with Boston. He’s the best player on the floor, and he’ll need to get the momentum going in Miami’s favor as they hope to advance past the Celtics and make a run at the 2020 title.
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics will open things up on Tuesday with Game One. Tip-off is at 6:30 pm EST, and coverage will be provided by ESPN.