One more win and the Boston Celtics will be pushing this 2023 NBA Eastern Conference Finals to the hill. That is going to be easier said than done, though, with Game 6 taking place in South Beach, where the Miami Heat will look to snuff out the hopes of the Celtics.

Catch this game live on Sunday, May 28, at 8:30 AM, Manila time

Away: Boston Celtics (2-3)

Projected Starting Five:

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

And just like that, the Celtics are back in REAL business. Boston is finally playing like the team that entered the 2023 NBA Playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, as they have recorded back-to-back wins to cut Miami down to size. In their 110-97 victory at home in Game 5, the Celtics had four players scoring at least 21 points, led by Derrick White, who led the way with 24 points. 

As a team, the Celtics connected on 50.6 percent of their shots from the field. Over their last two games, the Celtics also sank 34 of 84 shots from the 3-point area for an astounding 40.5 percent success rate. Boston is now hitting their shots more consistently and its defense has also gotten more honest, great signs for the Celtics’ chances to level the series at 3-3. Although they let the Heat shoot over 50.6 percent in Game 5, the Celtics limited Miami to only 10 attempts from the free-throw line. The Heat averaged 21.8 FTA/G in the first four games of the series.

Home: Miami Heat (3-2)

Projected Starting Five:

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

The Heat got this far in the postseason primarily because of Jimmy Butler, so it did not come as a surprise that they lost Game 5 with their best player scoring just 14 points on 5/10 shooting from the field while also having just six free-throw attempts. Miami expected more in Game 5 from Butler, especially with Gabe Vincent sidelined by an ankle injury. Speaking of Vincent, he could be back this Sunday to help Miami stave off the stubborn Celtics. 

Vincent has been among the best players in the playoffs for the Heat, who are 10-4 against the spread in their last 14 games overall. Vincent is putting up 17.5 on 57.9 FG% and 50 3FG% so far in the Eastern Conference Finals, thus far. The Heat will also have to cut down on their turnovers after committing 31 in Games 4 and 5. They only recorded 31 turnovers in the first three games of the series.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Celtics (-3) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total (211.5) hits the Over.