Back home

The Boston Celtics are back home after a quick, two-game road trip. They split the pair of contests but will be coming off a 113-104 win over the New York Knicks. In the victory, Jayson Tatum had a game-high 30 points, Jaylen Brown scored 28 on 61.1%-shooting, and Kemba Walker posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists.

The aggressive, high-scoring trio will again look to lead the charge against the visiting Miami Heat. Tatum and Walker are both averaging over 21 points per game, while Brown has upped his scoring to 20.3 PPG ever since Gordon Hayward’s hand injury paved the way 12 games ago.

The Celtics are currently seventh in points allowed (104.5 PPG) and sixth defensive efficiency and they are yet to lose on their home floor this season (7-0).

Looking for validation

The Miami Heat are aiming to continue earning their stripes in the competitive Eastern Conference. It’s been a solid start so far and a win against a more proven Celtic team should add to their street cred.

Jimmy Butler will remain as the flag bearer of the eager group. He’s filling the stat sheet with 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and a league-leading 2.5 steals per game.

Accompanying Butler is veteran playmaker Goran Dragic (15.9 PPG, 5 APG) and a young, promising nucleus. It’s an exciting bunch that includes third-year workhorse Bam Adebayo, sophomore Duncan Robinson, and rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro. Fifth-year man Justise Winslow, a classic Heat player that does a little bit of everything, rounds out the list.

Each have scored over 20 points at least once this season and through the Heat’s free-for-all offense, it’s anyone’s guess who will suddenly lead the team in scoring. Just look at it this way: Nunn, an undrafted rookie, is Miami’s current leader in total points.

PREDICTION:

The Heat will put up a great start but the Celtics will be able to pull away eventually. They are fresh from a two-day rest and visitors are playing on a back-to-back.

Boston wins, 115-100.