LeBron has never beaten Boston in a playoff series. Bosh doesn’t know what a deep post-season run feels like. D-Wade and the rest of the Heat are also hurting for payback after last season’s 4-1 loss to the Celtics. Whatever else you might say about Miami’s big three, don’t question their thirst for victory when they take on Boston this weekend.
You better believe it’s personal LeBron James has twice suffered at the hands of the Celtics in the playoffs. First, just one year removed from his NBA Finals appearance with the Cavs, LeBron suffered a conference semi final defeat against Boston. Then last year, when Cleveland looked the team to beat in the NBA, LeBron suffered another ignominious playoff exit at the hands of Boston’s veteran line-up. Pardon the pun but after yet another post-season disappointment his decision was clearly made. If this king was going to wear a crown, he’d need some princes by his side.
Enter Dwayne Wade, a man who already has one championship ring but who saw last year’s post-season end at the first hurdle. Once again it was the Celtics that ended D-Wade’s dream. Like LeBron, he was clearly in need of some extra firepower to make another title run. Wade and the Heat however needed more than just another scorer. One more part was needed; a big man. Thus came Chris Bosh, south from the White Vegas of Toronto. The third part of Pat Riley’s grand plan. Of course, things didn’t run with quite the rhythm anyone expected.
Heat can overcome adversity For a team that finished second in their conference, the Heat sure were awful for much of the year. It took a long time for Miami’s stars to find a way to work together. It took even longer for Erik Spoelstra to get all the spare parts around them to pull their weight. This was a difficult learning process but in the end it appears to have all come together. In April the Heat even found a way to beat Boston. After three futile efforts earlier in the season, Miami dominated on their home court on April 10, winning 100-77.
Age will be a factor NBA betting fans know the Celtics don’t have too many shots at a championship left before they have to restructure their roster. Boston’s age profile is a big concern. That being said, I would not be surprised if they managed to take one of the two opening games down in Miami. The big difficulty for Boston will be staying in this series for the long haul. The extra rest they gained by sweeping the Knicks will be invaluable but they need more breaks to go their way. With Shaquille O’Neal likely done for the playoffs and Kendrick Perkins now in Oklahoma City, Boston won’t hold the physical advantage they enjoyed earlier in the season. That could prove a telling factor when the Heat hit their stride.
It promises to be an epic confrontation as the old masters look to keep hold of their throne. For the best Basketball betting during the Heat-Celtics series and throughout the NBA Playoffs, check out Sports Interaction’s online sportsbook.
