The Boston Celtics doused the Miami Heat in Game 1, 114-94, and look to duplicate it tomorrow for a two-zip lead.

Catch the game tomorrow at 7:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Miami Heat (0-1)

Projected starting five:

  • Tyler Herro
  • Caleb Martin
  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. 
  • Nikola Jovic
  • Bam Adebayo

The absence of Jimmy Butler due to a torn MCL was felt right from the get-go as the Heat trailed 17-2 in the first three minutes of Game 1 – note that Terry Rozier has a bum neck too. They then went down by as much as 34, with the fourth quarter being a mere formality. 

But of course, that’s the nature of the beast that is the playoffs. Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and the rest of the squad simply need to step up. Adebayo was okay at best in the opener with 24 points and six measly rebounds, while Herro was held to 4-of-13 shooting for 11 points. Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. did his best in his official playoff debut, chipping in 16 points, but it had a minimal effect on the Celtics. Finally, Delon Wright scored 17 on 6-of-7 FGs.

The random Heat bunch, namely Kevin Love, Nikola Jovic, Caleb Martin, Duncan Robinson, and Haywood Highsmith, combined for 10-of-27 shooting for a grand total of 26 points. Such is unacceptable and is another huge reason for the lopsided loss. We’ll see if they can be better for Game 2.

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HOME: Boston Celtics (1-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Jrue Holiday 
  • Derrick White
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Kristaps Porzingis

Game 1 turned out as expected for the loaded Celtics who faced a shorthanded Heat. They had six guys in double figures and collectively buried 22 threes, as every Celtic hit who played had a three-point field goal.

All-Star Jayson Tatum powered Boston with a triple-double of 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, while his co-starters did their thing. Kristaps Porzingis posted 18 points, four three, and four blocks, Derrick White had 20, Jaylen Brown added 17, and Jrue Holiday boasted his veteran, All-Defensive Team-worthy defense. It’s a well-oiled five, just what they have showcased all season. Add that to the old core’s thirst to get back at the Heat, and you’ll get the one-sided affair we saw this past Monday.

Boston is top five in points, points allowed, offensive rating, and defensive rating. It should remain obvious moving forward.

PICKS:

Spread: Celtics (-14)

Over/Under: Over (202.5)

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