I am continue to be amused by the fact the "experts" picked an easy series victory for the Miami Heat over the Boston Celtics. Boston is certainly an older team and will likely look drastically different come next year regardless of how they finish the year. Miami is a team led by two and a half superstars, one of which is a multi-year MVP yet has failed to lead his respective team to a championship after eight seasons, and if he fails again, nine.
There is no denying that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are extraordinary basketball players. Boston is proving in this series that the game is a team sport, not necessarily a game of stars with solid performances by a support staff. As they travel to Miami for Game 5 on Tuesday, June 5 they will need to keep the momentum going that was created in Game 2. A trip to the NBA Finals is not out of reach.
The matchup:
The Boston Celtics will take on the Miami Heat at the AmericanAirlines Arena located in Miami, Fla. on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. EDT.
The standings:
Boston comes into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals finishing the regular season with a 39-27 record. The Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Quarters in six games and the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semis in seven games.
Miami enters the matchup having finished the season with a 46-20. The Heat defeated the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Quarters in five games and the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semis in six games.
The playoff series:
The best of seven playoff series is currently tied at 2-2.
Where to watch:
The game can be watched live nationwide on ESPN.
The playoff statistic leaders:
Boston: Kevin Garnett- 19.5 points per game, Rajon Rondo- 11.9 assists per game, Kevin Garnett- 10.8 rebounds per game.
Miami: LeBron James- 29.9 points per game, LeBron James- 5.5 assists per game, LeBron James- 8.9 rebounds per game.
Injuries to note:
Boston: Chris Wilcox (aortic abnormality), Jeff Green (aortic aneurysm), Avery Bradley (dislocated left shoulder).
Miami: Chris Bosh (abdominal strain).
More Boston Celtics Commentary from Paul Rados:
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics, NBA Eastern Finals Game 4: Fan Playoff Preview
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics, NBA Eastern Finals Game 3: Fan Playoff Preview
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat, NBA Eastern Finals Game 2: Fan Playoff Preview
Miami Heat the overwhelming favorite over the Boston Celtics in NBA Eastern Finals: A fan's reaction
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat, NBA Eastern Finals Game 1: Fan Playoff Preview
Sources:
All data provided by NBA.com
Paul Rados is an avid Boston Celtics fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook.
