2012 NBA Playoffs: Preview, Keys and Prediction for the Celtics-Heat Series

Preview. 

This year’s Eastern Conference Finals pits New England’s original Big Three against South Beach’s trio of the present. 

Due to the number of injuries between the two teams though, we might only be seeing half of the stars on display during the course of the series. 

In Boston, sharpshooter Ray Allen is suffering from an ankle injury, while Paul Pierce is still learning to cope with an MCL sprain that has slowed him in the playoffs. 

Down the other aisle, Miami’s Dwyane Wade is still dealing with a lower-leg injury, although his performance in Game 6 would say otherwise, while certainly the most notable absentee, Chris Bosh, is still rehabbing his abdominal strain that he incurred early in the last round. 

With all of these injuries, and so many players playing under 100 percent, you could argue that the winner of the series will be the one who can ride the wave of unhealthiness and instability better. 

The Celtics have already had a long and grueling first two rounds, playing a combined 13 games. The Heat on the other hand, have played two less games, feature a cast running on younger legs, and have more riding on this series than Boston does.

Keys. 

Chris Bosh’s (temporary) absence gives Boston the clear advantage on the interior. 

Kevin Garnett is playing out of his mind right now, resembling The Big Ticket of old that used to be a lock for 20 and 10. KG is showing much more activity and passion on both ends of the floor after hearing all the chatter during the Hawks series about how old he is.  

Garnett’s running mate in the frontcourt, Brandon Bass, will also be key in the C’s success in the paint. With the Heat tending to go small and play Battier or LeBron at the four-spot, Bass should have a mismatch inside. If Bass can put pressure on the Heat’s post defense and force them to over commit, he could prove instrumental in pushing Miami to the brink of elimination. 

Aside from the battle in the key, whoever controls the pace of the game will benefit tremendously. The two teams’ play polar-opposite styles. The Heat focus on getting easy buckets in the open court, while the Celts tend to slow the rock down and run their sets. The Celtics’ extremely talented and experienced point guard, Rajon Rondo, may give Boston the edge, as he is capable of slowing the tempo and getting the ball to his teammates in scoring position.

Prediction. 

Expect the Celtics to compete in each and every game to the best of their ability. In the end though, their age and previously taxing playoff path will prove too much. The Heat are on a mission this year, and not even the experience of Boston is going to stop their second, consecutive trip to the NBA Finals. 

Heat in 5. 

Check Out: The Bench Review