NBA Playoff Preview: Boston Celtics Vs. Miami Heat

Now that the playoffs are here, the Boston Celtics have run out of excuses. The second season begins Saturday, and the Miami Heat are looking to take advantage of their late season run.  

The Celtics have not fared well at home. In fact, it seemed like the road was a better option.  Opponents would come into the Garden and summarily smash the Celtics in the mouth, and not one of them would fight back.  

They became the bullies that everyone had been whispering that they had been in the last two years.  Kevin Garnett, the resident alpha-dog of trash talking went gently into the night when Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks chirped at him after a Celtic loss.

They ended the regular season with what else—a home loss.

That's okay, Boston can start to erase the nasty taste of 2009-2010 by beating Miami.

The Miami Heat have the advantage of having a younger superstar and a younger bench—those are two things the Celtics have continuously struggled with.

Dwayne Wade vs. Ray/Tony Allen:  Ray is not exactly known for his defense; however, he can slow Wade by running him off of screens.  In theory this would affect his legs in the fourth quarter. Tony's defense is more honest; he has the foot quickness to stay with Wade. It is his mind set that will determine how effective he is. 

Advantage: Wade

Quentin Richardson vs. Paul Pierce: Richardson's offense has been a little enigmatic this season.  His three-point shot has not been as reliable, and he is just now gaining some confidence in his game.  It is his defense on Paul Pierce that the Heat will rely on. Pierce likes to post up and Richardson has just enough girth to make it difficult for "The Truth" in the post.

Advantage: Pierce

Michael Beasley vs. Kevin Garnett:   This has not been a great season for either one of these forwards.  Beasley's inability to be Dwayne Wade's second has the team concerned. This postseason will tell if Beasley will be part of the Heat's future, but for now, he must guard the recently rejuvenated Garnett.  

Garnett has shown signs of his offensive game returning, and this will make it a very quick comeuppance for Beasley.

Advantage: Garnett

Carlos Arroyo/Mario Chalmers vs. Rajon Rondo:  By all accounts Rondo should be able to handle both of these players without any problems.  Arroyo is not quick enough to stay with Rondo, and Doc Rivers might just use him in the low post against Chalmers.

Advantage: Rondo

Joel Anthony vs. Kendrick Perkins:  Miami won't be running any plays for Anthony, but his willingness to attack the boards and his shot blocking ability are all they need.

Perkins has a tendency to fake too much when he encounters a shot blocker; this either causes a travelling violation or a rushed shot.  He has also been having issues with his knees.  Its a good thing there are no back-to-back games in the playoffs, because Perk will have to keep a close eye on Mr. Anthony.

Advantage: Perkins, only because he has more playoff experience.

Summary:  Miami had an 11-game win streak, but the quality of their opponents was somewhat questionable.  Udonis Haslem, Dorrell Wright and their buddies coming off the bench doesn't exactly imply a major game plan, but it would be in the Celtics best interest to not give them a notion of having a big game.

Boston has added Nate Robinson, Michael Finley, Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels.  The only ones that Doc Rivers can count on are Michael Finley and the man-of-a-thousand-NBA-lives himself, Tony Allen.  Allen may just be that X-factor the Celtics have been looking for.

Shelden Williams and Glen Davis will battle for the minutes that Rasheed Wallace will most definitely leave on the table. 

Winner : Boston Celtics in six games