One more win and Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat are going to waltz their way into the 2023 NBA Finals. But can they actually get the job done in just four games? Or, will the Boston Celtics survive to play another game?

Catch this game live on Wednesday, May 24, at 8:30 AM, Manila time

Away: Boston Celtics (0-3)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Marcus Smart
  • PG: Derrick White
  • SF: Jaylen Brown
  • PF: Jayson Tatum
  • C: Robert Williams III

The Celtics must be feeling like they’re in a nightmare. They can’t be losing three games to none to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, but that is actually the case for Boston, which suffered a 128-102 loss in Game 3 last Monday. Boston’s mental fortitude is also getting questioned heavily after that embarrassing loss, so a huge bounce-back performance must be in order for the Celtics. 

That is going to be easier said than done, but with still a healthy lineup and some hope that Miami finally sees regression in its shooting, the Celtics have a number of reasons to hope that Game 4 is finally going to be where they get the win in this series. The Heat are shooting a ridiculous 63.7 TS% and 60.6 eFG% in the conference finals. Miami could be due for a major struggle on offense this coming Wednesday.

Home: Miami Heat (3-0)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Gabe Vincent
  • SG: Max Strus
  • SF: Jimmy Butler
  • PF: Caleb Martin
  • C: Bam Adebayo

You’ve heard it many times before you’ve come to this corner in the internet: the Heat are being carried by Jimmy Butler and a crew of overperforming undrafted players. Butler is averaging 26.0 points so far in the series while shooting 46.0 percent from the field. Meanwhile, Caleb Martin, Gabe Vincent, and Duncan Robinson are each averaging at least 12.3 points on 57.1 FG% or better. 

Sure, it’s going to be a huge challenge for Martin, Vincent, and Robinson to sustain that kind of efficiency on offense, but the Heat are going to strike while the iron is hot. Plus, there’s also the possibility that the Celtics have already mentally checked out in this series following three painful losses in a row to a No. 8 seed. Another strong start for the Heat in Game 4 could be all they need to pulverize any semblance of hope remaining in Boston. 

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Celtics (+2.0) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total (215.5) hits the Under.