NBA Playoffs 2012: Breaking Down Miami Heat's Advantages over Boston Celtics

With the 2012 NBA playoffs rolling on, it’s already time for the conference finals. As great as the series out West will be, the Miami Heat will destroy the Boston Celtics in the East.

The Boston Celtics have the talent and experience to give the younger and faster Heat some competition, but it will ultimately be the Heat that walks away from the series with a five-game series win.

The end of Boston’s big three is just a few days from ending forever; enjoy it while you can.

Full Eastern Conference Finals Schedule

Game 1: May 28 8:30pm EDT @MIA (TV: ESPN)

Game 2: May 30 8:30pm EDT @MIA (TV: ESPN)

Game 3: Jun 1 8:30pm EDT @BOS (TV: ESPN)

Game 4: Jun 3 8:30pm EDT @BOS (TV: ESPN)

Game 5: Jun 5 8:30pm EDT @MIA (TV: ESPN)*

Game 6: Jun 7 8:30pm EDT @BOS (TV: ESPN)*

Game 7: Jun 9 8:30pm EDT @MIA (TV: ESPN)*

*If Necessary

Keys to the Miami Heat’s Series Win

LeBron James vs. Paul Pierce

With Paul Pierce being the obvious No. 1 option for the Boston Celtics, LeBron James will see the veteran plenty in the offensive and defensive ends of the court.

These two men will be draped all over each other during this series.

James is the better defender, but the biggest key for his success during this series is in the offensive end. If LeBron can start hitting shots over Pierce, it will take the star out of the series and put Boston down for the count.

Dwyane Wade vs. Rajon Rondo

While Wade has defended many different positions this season, the Heat may be looking to slide him to point guard in the defensive end to try to contain the ball-moving Rajon Rondo.

Few point guards in the NBA can pass, rebound and score like Rondo, and even fewer can do all three. As great as the Celtics star has been this season, Wade can be a shutdown defender.

Wade will take on the role as primary defender at one end of the court and a secondary scorer at the other end, meaning James has to be the main offensive threat throughout the game and in key moments.

Let’s see how that all works out.

Role Players Stepping Up

With the duo of Ronny Turiaf and Udonis Haslem slotted to take the defensive responsibilities against Kevin Garnett, and Shane Battier sharing the defensive load with LeBron and Wade on Ray Allen and Paul Peirce, Miami’s defensive role players will play a huge part in the outcome of this series.

As important as the defenders will be, the Heat need offensive contributions from guys like Mike Miller and Mario Chalmers especially. LeBron and Wade can put the team in a great spot to win, but they ultimately can’t do it alone.

With a cast of characters realizing what’s on the line and relishing the opportunity to shine, Miami will cruise to an NBA Finals berth in just five games. It will be the end of the Boston Celtics as we know them.

Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NBA Page to get your fill of all things basketball.

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