Heat vs. Celtics: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

Sunday may be April Fools' Day but I'm not joking when I say the Boston Celtics are in first place in the Atlantic Division. It seems hard to believe after having a rough season but they are where they are.

With the Miami Heat coming to town Sunday, this is the perfect game for Boston to remind people they are still relevant in the NBA.

Here is everything you need to know.

Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA

When: Sunday, April 1 2012, 3:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ABC

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Betting Line: Miami (-3) on the road.

I'm expecting a tightly played game, but free throws down the stretch often create wider margins than how the game played out. Take the -3.

Injuries: CBS Sports

Heat

Mike Miller, SF, out until at least April 3 vs. Philadelphia 76ers 

Celtics

Jeff Green, PF, Jermaine O'Neal, C, out for season

Ray Allen, SG, is questionable with an ankle injury

Mickael Pietrus, SG, out until the end of March with a concussion.

What They're Saying:

One scout says the Celtics can't hang with the Heat or Chicago Bulls if they met in the postseason, according to Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel.

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"They're having so many issues with the injuries this year," he said. "They just haven't been able to stay healthy. And it has a lot to do with bad luck and certainly age. I think if they're going to have to play a Chicago or Miami, they have no chance. If they're playing Indiana? Sure. But I don't think they can beat either one of those teams in a seven-game series."

 

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Player to Watch for Miami Heat: Chris Bosh

Obviously LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are shoo-ins for top-notch performances but Bosh is the key to the team. His ability to stretch the floor for Wade and James' penetration is something which constantly gets overlooked.

He is scoring slightly less than his career average but has turned it on in the past two games, averaging 24.5 points.

Bosh will open the gates for James and Wade Sunday.

Player to Watch for Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo

With Ray Allen possibly on the shelf for this contest, I'm expecting a dynamite performance from Rondo. If the Celtics win, I think Rondo will have a triple double.

Rondo is averaging 12 points, 11 assists and five rebounds per game this season. If Rondo can connect on a few jump shots early, despite that aspect being his downfall, expect Rondo to dazzle against the Heat.

This will force his defender to guard him further away from the floor.

We will see Rondo at his best if he can hit jumpers early.

Key Matchup: Rajon Rondo vs. Miami Heat defense

Just like mentioned above, Rondo will need to play extremely well if the Celtics are to come out with a victory. He has the ability to do many things on offense including setting up shooters, scoring in transition and attacking the basket.

There are many questions for the Celtics on defense but who will be able to contain Rondo for the Heat?

Prediction:

Miami 94, Boston 88

Miami's athleticism and ability to finish in transition will lead to a Heat victory on the road. James will score 25 points, Wade will claim 24 and Bosh will add 19 in the victory.