Coming off a Game 4 victory, the Miami Heat will look to eliminate the Boston Celtics in Game 5 on Friday. A look at five (bold) predictions.
Few expected it, but here we are: walking into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals with the Miami Heat leading the Boston Celtics three games to one. The winner of this series will advance on to the NBA Finals in October, to play either the Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Lakers.
Jimmy Butler is flourishing as the number one guy, the alpha in Miami. Goran Dragic has put on a complete renaissance in the postseason. Tyler Herro is showing off his All-Star potential, and actual All-Star Bam Adebayo is stringing together 20-point double-doubles nightly.
For Boston, it’s been Jayson Tatum running the show. Aside from his zero-point first half in Game 4, the 22-year old has been every bet the All-Star and lead talent they’ve needed him to be.
Gordon Hayward’s return to the floor provided little boost for the Celtics, with the forward having scored just 20 points over the last two games, a disappointment in comparison to the anticipation that lead up to his return. So, Boston walks into Friday facing a three to one deficit.
Ahead of what the Miami Heat hope will be their punching a ticket to the 2020 NBA Finals, I elected to provide you all (as if you asked) for three somewhat bold predictions for Game 5.