Celtics vs. Heat: Players Under Most Pressure to Get Boston Back in Series

The Boston Celtics return home trailing the Miami Heat 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals and must find a way to turn things around immediately. It's going to take a collective effort to slow down the high-flying Heat, but the Celtics have enough talent to do it.

Let's take a look at three Boston players who will be under a lot of pressure to get the team back on track. Even one loss at home will likely doom the Celtics, so there's no margin for error starting tonight.

Paul Pierce

The outcome of Game 2 could have very well been different if Pierce didn't foul out during crunch time. While fans are quick to blame the referees, a veteran like Pierce has to find a way to keep himself out of foul trouble in the first place, especially in the playoffs.

He's scored just 33 points in the first two games, and missed all five of his three-point attempts on Wednesday. He needs to enter Game 3 with the mentality that he's going to take over and nobody is going to stop him, just like the old days.

Pierce can't sit back and rely on his teammates to take control, so he has to put the onus on himself to begin the series comeback. That's easier said than done, of course, but he really doesn't have any other option at this point.

Ray Allen

To say Allen hasn't been himself during the playoffs would be a massive understatement. One of the greatest pure shooters in league history, he's hit just 28 percent of his shots from beyond the arc during the team's run.

He's been battling an ankle injury for a while, but nobody likes to hear excuses at key times. While he doesn't have to suddenly start running the floor like he's a young kid, the Celtics need him to at least start knocking down his open looks.

Allen did hit a big shot late in Game 2, so Celtics fans are hoping that will provide him with the confidence boost necessary to make a bigger impact from here on out.

Mickael Pietrus

The Celtics need to start getting more production from their bench, plain and simple. Pietrus has received the most playing time among the depth players in the series, but has only been able to provide four points in 45 minutes. He has nine fouls during that span.

Doc Rivers should start drawing up some more plays to get him involved right away when he comes in, with hopes of building a little momentum. With Allen struggling, it's vital that Pietrus starts adding more scoring bunch from the perimeter.

Miami doesn't have much reliable depth, either. So if Pietrus can find a groove at home, it would give the Celtics the advantage they need to avoid a quick series. He has no time to waste, though. His improvement must start tonight.