The Giant Slayers- The Eastern Conference Finals Preview

Miami Heat and Boston Celtics face off for a spot in the NBA Finals. Heat defeated first seed Milwaukee Bucks while the Boston Celtics triumphed over reigning champions and second seed Toronto Raptors in a thrilling seven game series. This will Boston Celtics’ third time in four years in the ECF.

This is a first in the Eastern Conference finals where the series does not feature the top two seeds.

The last time these sides faced off in the playoffs was back in 2012, with Miami Heat winning in seven and going on to win the NBA title that very season.

Head to head wise, Heat won the last game, snapping a 5 game winning streak for the Celtics against them.

When it comes to Celtics, rebounds are a key to their game, with them being 4th in both offensive and defensive rebounds this season. This helped them defeat the Toronto Raptors in seven games.

The key player to the Celtics is Jayson Tatum, who continues to excel in his all-star year. He is averaging 23.4 points and was the leading scorer for the Celtics in their games over the Raptors. Miami will need to contain him in order to get momentum in the series. In fact, Tatum has been playing so good he is the second youngest player to record 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a game 7, with the youngest being the late Kobe Bryant. Marcus Smart will also look great, securing his first career triple double in the game 6 overtime loss to the Raptors.

Miami Heat have had more time to prepare, which could push them further, especially with the continued dominance of Jimmy Butler in the playoffs. He is averaging 19.9 points and has a field goal percentage of 45.5%, keeping efficient and making clever shots. Another key player is Bam Adebayo who is averaging a double double in playoffs (16.2 points and 11.7 rebounds).

This series will certainly deliver brilliant basketball, a domination of stars on display and full bragging rights to be obtained.

PREDICTION: Heat in 6.

Photo Source: DraftKings Nation.