Udonis Haslem doubles down on Heat-Celtics prediction

On the recent episode of the "OGs Show" podcast, hosts Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller cast early predictions for this upcoming NBA season. Haslem backed Miami and told Miller that his team will make a healthy comeback. But, most importantly, predicted the Heat will be ready to play the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals this season, as they have done so in four out of the last six years.  

Let’s not forget the fuel that Jayson Tatum added to the rivalry. After traveling to Maimi to celebrate the Celtics 2024 championship, former Celtics player and current TV personality Brian Scalabrine asked Tatum, “You guys have been on a lot of trips to Miami. A lot of hard-fought trips to Miami. Was this one a little sweeter taking that trip down?” 

Tatum responded, "They're always easy."

Granted, Boston’s path was easy. The perception stems from the absence of key stars among their Eastern Conference opponents. Notably, Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Tyrese Haliburton were either sidelined for part or all of their respective playoff series against the Celtics. 

It's important to recognize that achieving 80 wins and maintaining an impressive 16-3 record in the postseason is no small feat. They were the favorites in the East for a reason, regardless of competition.

Udonis Haslem says a healthy Heat team can challenge the Celtics.

Despite Tatum's remark, historical context indicates it has not been easy. Miami and Boston have faced each other three times in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Miami emerging victorious on two occasions. In their third encounter in 2022, the outcome was determined by a final shot. 

However, the Heat have not been a healthy team for the last two seasons. The roster has been riddled with injuries, causing them to have a second-eighth-seed finish and a record of 46-36 last season. But, what does it mean if Miami was a team that became healthy again?  

This summer, Haslem has participated in various sports programs, sharing his insights on various basketball-related topics. During an episode of "First Take" in June, he was asked which team poses the greatest threat to the defending champions. Unsurprisingly, his response was the Heat.

While some may argue that Haslem's perspective is biased due to his two-decade tenure with the Heat and his current role in the front office, historical context supports his viewpoint. Miami has previously been successful in challenging Boston and is capable of beating them when they are healthy. The two teams have faced each other in the playoffs four times over the last five seasons, with their series record standing at 2-2.

The Heat and Celtics have met in the playoffs during four of the past five seasons (2012, 2020, 2022, and 2023). In the 2020 ECFs, the Heat triumphed over the Celtics, while the Celtics avenged this defeat by eliminating the Heat in the 2022 Eastern finals. The Heat then advanced past the Celtics in the 2023 ECFs. Most recently, Boston decisively defeated Miami in the first round of this year's playoffs, paving their path to their first NBA championship since 2008. 

Boston recorded one of the highest net ratings and one of the most effective offenses in the history of the NBA. However, as Haslem pointed out along with the record books, if the Heat are healthy, they are a threat to teams in the East, particularly the Celtics. 

With this offseason being a period of recuperation and reflection for Miami, a comeback is in order. 

If history repeats itself, these two rival teams will revisit each other for an intense matchup during the 2024-25 NBA ECFs. We'll have to see how both teams compete this season and see if UD's prediction rings true.