How do the Celtics fare in the First Round Vs. the Heat?

Here is a quick little poll to see how the board feels about the first round.

There will be no vote cancelling, go ahead and give it your best and final shot!

I chose "Win in 5 games".

While my brain says 4 games, my heart says 5. I would like the Celtics home crowd to get the chance to wave goodbye to the Heat in Game 5.

I agree with beating the Heat in 5, but we better execute against their zone. I don't know what to expect tomorrow. Will we be rusty or so well rested that we just execute flawlessly? Either way Go Celtics!! It's go time.

Well, it can't get any worse than last year's series vs. MIA except a sweep by MIA.  I'd be willing to posit with great accuracy and to bet dboss's paycheck that if we come out and for any reason(s) lose G1 after all the changes for the better, it will be a sweep by the Heat, mimicking MIA vs. MIL first round last year.  

The good news is, I believe we are better for wear than last year's team.  We have the zone buster in KP.  We have the defensive stopper in JH, we have the all-around 3-way player DW plus JT and JB are one year older and wiser.  

The question is how much better.  MIA is such a thorn in our sides.  I'm going to go with Boston in 7.  Boston best not come in with just revenge on its mind.  Just ask CHI.  They need to systematically, unabashedly take the Heat to the woodshed.  

I hope you guys and gal are correct.  I'd love to see this over in 5 or even over in 4 and Eric Spoelstra blow a gasket.  To me Eric Spoelstra is the NBA version of Dean Smith.  HATED him growing up because I was an NC State fan.  But I came to respect him after he retired.  I don't know if an Eric Spoelstra team is better than a Celtics team, but he's up 2-1 on us now.  If they beat us this time, it's kinda over.  There's no rivalry.  They will have our number and like it or not, as Celtic fans we're going to have to fess up to it.  We begin to become and look like the Lakers of the 60's vs. the Celtics.  Then they're in our heads.  Just what MIA wants.  

So it is paramount we make quick, efficient work of this series.  This round cannot in any way, shape or form resemble last year's debacle.  Period.  

Boston in 7.

db

I also went with Celtics in 5. Not sure how long Butler and Rozier will be out, or how effective they will be when they come back.

Regardless we should win the series, and I’m hoping the first two series are over quickly so Horford, Porzingis and Holiday all are well rested for the tougher teams.

I got the Celtics winning in 4.  I really cannot think of a good reason why they should let the Heat win one game.

The Celtics have mismatch advantages all over the court.  There is no need for CJ to be squeamish.  Use the depth particularly at center to pound the Heat in a relentless manner.

The Heat embarrassed our Celtics last year and that makes me hot under the collar.  I demand brutality.  I want to see the no layup drill implemented.  Punch them in the mouth first.

Kornet is out with a calf injury.

Maybe we see more Tillman and Queta.