The Miami Heat won its play-in game against the Chicago Bulls in a blowout 112-91 victory, meaning they will play the 64-18 Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. The Celtics and Heat have gone head-to-head quite a few times over the past few years. The Celtics and Heat met two times during the “Big Three” and “Heatles” era, featuring Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen against LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, with Miami gaining the advantage in the second round in 2011 and in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2012.

Even in the “Jayson Tatum vs. Jimmy Butler” era, Miami has had the upper hand, winning 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2020 and again last season in the Eastern Conference Finals (4-3). Despite Boston only winning two playoff series against Miami, historically, it might be time that the NBA’s number one seed gets revenge this season although it will be far from easy even if Jimmy Butler is sidelined for a few weeks.

Celtics vs. Heat Head-to-Head

2023-24 Regular Season: Celtics vs. Heat 3-0

All-Time Playoff Series: Celtics vs. Heat 2-4

Starting Lineups

Boston Celtics: Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis

Miami Heat: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jacquez Jr, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic, Bam Adebayo

The Boston Celtics boast a formidable lineup with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White in the backcourt. Holiday’s defensive prowess and playmaking ability, combined with White’s scoring and versatility, make for a dynamic duo. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum provide the Celtics with elite wing scoring and athleticism. Brown’s slashing ability and Tatum’s scoring versatility from both inside and outside make them a challenging matchup for any team. Kristaps Porzingis adds a unique dimension as a stretch big man who can score from the perimeter and protect the rim.

On the other hand, the Miami Heat have a balanced lineup despite missing Jimmy Butler, who is out for a few weeks with an MCL sprain. Tyler Herro and Jaime Jacquez Jr will be tasked with handling the scoring load in Butler’s absence. Herro is a capable scorer with a knack for scoring in bunches, while Jacquez Jr provides steady scoring as a rookie. Caleb Martin adds energy and athleticism on both ends of the floor, while Nikola Jovic and Bam Adebayo form a formidable frontcourt duo. Adebayo, in particular, is a defensive anchor and a force in the paint.

In terms of overall talent and depth, the Celtics have the edge with their starting lineup. Their combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive ability should give them an advantage in this series especially with Butler likely missing the first few games at least.

Advantage: Boston Celtics

Bench

Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Jordan Walsh, Oshae Brissett, Al Horford, Xavier Tillman Sr, Luke Kornet

Miami Heat: Patty Mills, Delon Wright, Haywood Highsmith, Duncan Robinson, Kevin Love, Orlando Robinson, Thomas Bryant

The Boston Celtics bench is anchored by Payton Pritchard, who provides energy and playmaking at the guard position. Sam Hauser and Jordan Walsh offer scoring and shooting off the bench, while Oshae Brissett adds athleticism and defensive intensity. Al Horford and Xavier Tillman Sr provide veteran leadership and versatility in the frontcourt, and Luke Kornet offers additional size and shooting although he won’t earn a ton of minutes.

The Heat’s bench features Patty Mills, a seasoned veteran with playoff experience who can provide instant offense and leadership. Delon Wright offers versatility with his ability to play multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor. Haywood Highsmith and Duncan Robinson provide shooting and floor spacing, while Kevin Love adds rebounding and scoring in the frontcourt. Orlando Robinson and Thomas Bryant provide depth and energy in the paint.

Both benches have a mix of youth and experience, with players capable of impacting the game in various ways. Given the evenness of the bench matchup, the series could come down to the performances of the star players and the execution of the game plan by the coaching staff.

Advantage: Even

Joe Mazzulla vs. Erik Spoelstra

Joe Mazzulla has certainly made significant strides this season, leading the team to an impressive 64-win season and the best record in the regular season. Mazzulla is known as a player’s coach who excels in emotionally motivating his players, regardless of their star status. His ability to connect with his players has been a key factor in the Celtics’ success this season.

However, Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat is a coaching legend with a wealth of experience and accolades. Spoelstra is a two-time NBA champion, has been to the Finals six times, and has six conference championships under his belt. He is regarded as the driving force behind the Heat’s culture of hard work, competitiveness, and resilience. Spoelstra’s ability to get every player to compete hard every night and his playoff experience give him a significant edge in this coaching matchup.

Advantage: Miami Heat

Boston Celtics Advantages

The Boston Celtics possess a formidable superstar core led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday. These players are not only capable of putting up big numbers but also can take over games and carry the team when needed.

Secondly, the Celtics finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA, showcasing their consistency and dominance throughout the year. Boasting the best starting lineup in the NBA, the Celtics have a perfect blend of scoring, playmaking, defense, and versatility.

Lastly, the Celtics are hungry for success after falling short in the Finals in 2022 and losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals last year. This desire for redemption, coupled with their immense talent, makes them a dangerous team that will be motivated to make a deep playoff run and exact revenge on their opponents.

Miami Heat Advantages

The Heat have elite defensive acumen, ranking 3rd in the NBA during the regular season. Their defensive intensity, anchored by players like Bam Adebayo, allows them to disrupt opponents’ offensive schemes and force turnovers, which can be crucial in playoff matchups where every possession counts. Additionally, even without Jimmy Butler, they will undoubtedly bring this competitive spirit to the playoff series against the Celtics.

In recent matchups, the Miami Heat have had the upper hand against the Boston Celtics, including last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. This historical edge could provide the Heat with a psychological advantage and added confidence heading into the series with nothing to lose.

Who Is The Better Team In The First Round?

The Boston Celtics enter the first-round playoff series as the better team, boasting more talent and a stronger overall roster. While the Miami Heat’s elite defensive prowess makes them a formidable opponent, the absence of Jimmy Butler due to injury is a significant setback for the Heat.

Even if Butler manages to return during the series, it is unlikely that he will fully recover in time to make a decisive impact and the Heat won’t be able to make up for the series deficit they are in. The Celtics’ superior talent and depth give them the edge, and they are capable of closing out the series in five games, but the resilient Miami Heat could stretch the series to six games, and that’s what we are going with. Either way, Boston will win the series and progress to the second round.

Prediction: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat 4-2