Miami Heat-Boston Celtics Preview: Is Miami Ready For The NBA’s Best Team?

What to look for in the Heat’s Sunday afternoon home game against rival Celtics

Author:
Nick Crandell
Feb 11, 2024 11:35 AM EST

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Miami Heat

The Miami Heat (28-24) are well rested for Sunday’s matchup with the Boston Celtics (40-12), having not played since Wednesday’s win against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Heat have won four of their last five games and appear to have found their groove.

But Sunday’s challenge isn’t the lowly Spurs — it’s the best team in the NBA.

The Celtics have won 11 of their last 14 and are the only team in the top three in both offensive (2nd) and defensive rating (3rd).

Previous Matchups

The Celtics won both meetings this season, including a 143-110 thrashing on Jan. 25 in Miami. Boston shot 63.7 percent and 55.0 percent from three in the blowout, and dominated the boards 47 to 31.

Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have had the most success over the season series, averaging 23.5 points and 23.0 points, respectively. Jimmy Butler has struggled, averaging 15.5 points.

Every Celtics starter has scored at least 15 points in each game. Derrick White led Boston in scoring in Game 1 (28) and Jayson Tatum in Game 2 (26).

Opposing Players to Watch

The Celtics have the best starting five in the NBA, led by MVP candidate Tatum.

The five-time All-Star is averaging 27.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists, and is coming off a 35 point, 10 rebound, eight assist game on Friday against the Washington Wizards. Tatum also has an elite 110.7 defensive rating, 14th best in the NBA.

Jaylen Brown, a three-time All-Star, is the undisputed second option for Boston’s offense. The 6-foot-6 guard averages 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Brown has struggled recently, not reaching his scoring average in six of his last seven games.

Key Matchup

Derrick White vs. Terry Rozier

White got the better of Rozier in their first matchup, outscoring him 15 to 7. It was Rozier's second game with Miami after the Kyle Lowry trade.

Rozier has settled in with the Heat, averaging 15.8 points over his last four games. The former Celtic has given Miami a consistent scoring threat at point guard, something they have needed since Goran Dragić was traded.

White does it all for Boston. The 29-year-old is averaging 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists, while shooting 45.8 percent and 39.8 percent from three. White is also a tenacious defender, averaging 1.2 blocks, 1.0 steals and owns a 112.2 defensive rating, 20th in the NBA.