The Celtics have dominated the East over the last four seasons, but this summer a group of All-Stars joined forces in Miami to begin their own quest for rings.The Boston Celtics, Miami Heat second round matchup will ultimately determine who will represent the East in the NBA Finals.
The Celtics dominated the first three meetings between the teams during the regular season, but lost big in Miami in their final game. During this years Playoffs the Celtics have flashed their dominant defense and Rajon Rondo has proved to be a game changer when he is aggressive. Miami rotated their starters numerous times against the 76ers, an attempt to get anyone not named Bosh, Bron, or Wade involved. Regardless of how the bench played Miami counted on their Big 3 for everything.
The Celtics were able to sweep the injury-riddled Knicks, but the Heat will go out as easy.
Here are a few questions we have for the series.
1. How will Miami defend Rondo?
Mario Chalmers, and Mike Bibby cannot defend Rondo on the break, and putting Dwyane Wade on Rondo could limit his much needed scoring. If Rondo attacks, and GOD forbid, his jumper is falling, the Heat will be in big trouble.
2. Which bench will show up?
Boston’s bench is still in the process of learning what exactly Doc Rivers wants from it. Jermaine O’Neal played years younger in the first round, and Jeff Green showed the potential that led the Celtics to trade for him mid-season. Miami rotated it’s roster numerous times in the first round, and will definitely need them to elevate some of the pressure off of the Heat’s Big
3. Will Shaq play?
The Celtics didn’t need Shaq against the Knicks, but his inside presence will be needed as Dwyane Wade and LeBron James drive repeatedly to the basket.
Schedule:
Game 1, Sunday, May 1, Miami, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 2, Tuesday, May 3, Miami (time and TV TBD)
Game 3, Saturday, May 7, Boston, 8:00 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 4, Monday, May 9, Boston (time and TV TBD)
Game 5, Wednesday, May 11, Miami (time and TV TBD)
Game 6, Friday, May 13, Boston (time and TV TBD)
Game 7, Monday, May 16, Miami, 8:00 p.m. ET (TNT)
