Celtics@ Heat Game # 19 Pregame Analysis

First I want to wish everyone out there a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving to them and their family and friends.

If you recall the Celtics made a visit to Miami and won 96-90.  It was the 6th game of the year and at the time extended the winning streak to 4.  Irving was the high scorer in what I recall was a very competitive game.  Kyrie closed the deal scoring 9 points with 2:00 left in the game.  Al was solid at 12/9, Our rookie Tatum sparkles with 20/5  and to top that off we got one of Smart's best games at BOTH ends.  Smart scored 16 on 6-12 from the field and had 4 assists.  On defense he grabbed 4 boards and had 2 steals.

I guess I should mention that Whiteside did not play and Winslow did not start.

Here is where we can get started with Miami,  He is averaging 16 points and almost 14 boards and 1.8 Blocks.  The Celtics will likely counter with Baynes at center.  Baynes started the first game and this time should be no different.  I am looking forward to this heavyweight matchup.  However do not be Surprised if Baynes does not start and Brad goes with AH.  This probably has more to do with overall matchups.  The issue is that Miami doesn't have a starting PF in the lineup.  They play 2 SF instead.

Pain in the butt Dragic scored 22 and continues to impress me with his handle, quickness, off speed motions, and ultimate ability to drive to the rim.  Still not good enough to offset Kyrie who has played the way we imagined but even still I am blown away by his talent.  

Staying with the backcourt matchup, neither Waiters or brown played particularly well in the first meeting.  Waiters is coming off a season worse 0-10 game where he played 26 minutes.  He can be streaky but he can score.  This is a good test for Jaylen who over the past 5 games appears to taken a leadership role at both ends .  He is scoring 20.6 PPG with 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 steal the nets have been on fire for him as he is shooting 48.1 % from behind the 3P arc.  Also during this 5 game stretch his FG % is 56%.  He is finishing drives better and get out front in transition.  His defense has been impactful.

Winslow the guy that reportedly almost caused Danny to lose his mind has not played well at SF.  There will be switches where Brown checks him but our candidate for ROY will be the matchup.  Just cannot say enough good things about Jason Tatum.  

Rounding out their Top five you have the undersized SF 6'6" Richardson.  Here is where the matchup issues are.  Boston could put Tatum on Richardson and Al on Winslow and Jaylen on Watiers with Kyrie on Dragic and Baynes on Whiteside.

The bottom line is that Al Horford has to start but matching him up with the brutally physical Whiteside may be problematic.  Keep in mind that Miami is 17th in the league in rebounding even with Whiteside.

Expect to see Marcus Smart in the game early and often.

None of the games are easy and neither will this one be.  

I see Boston winning this game.

dboss

I think a key will be containing Wade....oh wait he's not there.... well we do need to control Bron....    oops.   

If Big Al can play even with Bosh.  

beat wrote:I think a key will be containing Wade....oh wait he's not there.... well we do need to control Bron....    oops.   

If Big Al can play even with Bosh.  

+3

I am curious how the bench will do. The win streak will end tonight or very soon if they don't improve.

Larkin, Rozier and Smart need to snap out of it.

The defense should still be great. We'd have to put up a real stinker to have no chance. I'm hoping Brown has a good night. If he's scoring consistent points, then to go with Irving, we are still probably good to go even if those other three guys are still slumping.

Yet, the margin of error is getting smaller. I'm not worried about the winning streak ending. I'm scared of losing a big chunk of games. Brad needs to get the second unit out of its rut. Here's hoping for a big scoring night for the Celtics.

Phil Pressey wrote:I am curious how the bench will do. The win streak will end tonight or very soon if they don't improve.

Larkin, Rozier and Smart need to snap out of it.

The defense should still be great. We'd have to put up a real stinker to have no chance. I'm hoping Brown has a good night. If he's scoring consistent points, then to go with Irving, we are still probably good to go even if those other three guys are still slumping.

Yet, the margin of error is getting smaller. I'm not worried about the winning streak ending. I'm scared of losing a big chunk of games. Brad needs to get the second unit out of its rut. Here's hoping for a big scoring night for the Celtics.

Phil

It would be a big plus if the bench can play well.  Brad did not give them big minutes last game.

Smart and Rozier must lead the chagre and it would be great if Semi can get a few baskets.  Theis will play well but he needs minutes.

Dboss