NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 1- Miami vs Boston

In what feels like an eternity since an Eastern Conference NBA game was played we get to game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. Miami is coming off of a sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the first round and a 5 game series win against the number 1 seed Milwaukee Bucks sans Giannis for the majority of game 4 and all of game 5. This Heat team has been the most impressive, professional, deep team in these playoffs that isn't a surprise but it definitely wasn't expected. This team is deep beyond their starters Goran Dragic who has had a great playoff, Jimmy Butler who is the alpha dog on this team and possibly in this series, Duncan Robinson a great creator and shooter, Jae Crowder a good defender that makes his open shots, and a rim protector and defensive anchor in Bam Adebayo. This team's bench also has quality pieces that play major minutes like Tyler Herro, Andre Igoudala, Kendrick Nunn, and Kelly Olynyk. The Celtics are coming off a first-round sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers and a thrilling seven-game series win over the Toronto Raptors. These Celtics aren't as deep but a great starting lineup with Kemba Walker who was the focal point of the Raptors defensive scheme, Marcus Smart who is so crucial on defence that you live with his offence and sometimes bad misses, Jaylen Brown who gives this team a legitimate three-headed monster on both ends of the floor, Jayson Tatum who is possibly the alpha dog of this series, and Daniel Theis who is a modern centre that makes sense on the floor in crunch time. The Celtics bench is definitely a concern because they need to give their starters a rest and have a mix of bench-like Brad Wannamaker, Robert Williams, Grant Williams, Enes Kanter, and Semi Ojeleye. They won't need to play all of them but some of them will need to play a few minutes a game with quality to keep up with the Heat. The X-factor the Celtics is going to be the health of Gordon Hayward and if he can come back that is a huge piece that the Celtics can ease in but also play quality minutes especially not needed as a starter per se. The Celtics are 1.5 point favourites in Game 1 and this is a classic rest vs rust game for the Heat but that is exactly who I'm taking. I think the rest with families in the bubble makes a difference then being by yourself and with teammates.

Record

Straight: 100-50

Spread: 85-64-1