The Miami Heat fell from the heavens last week. Being on top of the conference and seeming to be in a mode to coast to a top seed finish in the Eastern Conference, the Heat now have their work cut out for them with things tightening up a bit after their slide.
With just 1.5 games separating the top four teams in the conference, with Milwaukee, Boston, and Philadelphia respectively filling in the 2-4 slots, the Miami Heat will have a chance to directly impact those standings on Wednesday.
Heading into a matchup against a Boston Celtics squad that has completely had their number this season, winning both matchups by an average of over 20 points, the Heat have more than the seeding scenario to worry about.
With all that they have endured in the past week, from their own self-inflicted things to the losses that came with all of it, this is a real chance to prove that they are actually who they have been for most of the year.
The Miami Heat need a win over a quality opponent to officially get back on track. They have a chance to do so on Wednesday, facing a tough Celtics squad.
Though they were able to dominate the Sacramento Kings on Monday, a good sign nonetheless, it was the Kings.
A win over a team that’s been among the best in the league over the last 25 games or so should be more than enough to help re-establish themselves as a team to be reckoned with. The Boston Celtics will be without their defensive anchor though, the man in the middle.
With Celtics center, Robert Williams, tearing his meniscus, that could take some of the luster off what a win could mean but then again, this is who they will be for much of the playoffs. That means you have to take this one at face value as an indicator as well.
Speaking of value, the Miami Heat won’t only have to overcome their own stuff and the Celtics alike, but they’ll also be playing against the odds. According to Vegas, the Miami Heat will lose in a close one.
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Odds
Odds And Information Provided Courtesy Of WynnBET
Moneyline: MIA +160 BOS -195
Spread: MIA +4.5
Total: 214.5
The Miami Heat have just as good a shot to win the game as the Celtics do. They will have to come out and play their style of ball though.
That’s ball and man movement, attacking the rim, and defense while hoping they can be themselves from behind the arc. The Boston Celtics won’t be an easy beat, but they can be beaten and the Miami Heat need to get it done.
Not only will it allow them to avoid the regular-season sweep, but it would send a message in case they are to meet in the postseason.