Published on: May 21, 2022 7:37 pm IST|Updated on: May 21, 2022 7:37 pm IST
BOS vs MIA Dream11: The NBA has been in full swing these days but the number of games has reduced significantly since the start of the season. The NBA Playoffs mean that we are close to the title window and it feels weird to see that the other 26 teams have disappeared from the scene, makes me kind of nostalgic, to be honest. Anyway, there is no nostalgia time for the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics will square off here to settle the matters in a tied series.
The Celtics did a wonderful job of claiming home-court advantage after tying the series in Game 2, bullying the Heat 127:102. It means that the series is tied and three of the next five games will be on the home floor of the Celtics. It will be interesting to see how the Heat will respond away from home. Remember the Bucks captured a couple of wins when they were hosted by the Celtics in the last series, interesting, isn’t it?
Host: Boston Celtics Visitors: Miami Heat Match Timing: 22 May, @ 06:00 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: TD Garden
NBA Projections, Stats & Analysis
Can Butler get more assistance here?
The problem for the Heat so far has been the inability to extract consistent offense outside of Butler. Sure, the approach worked against the Hawks and the 76ers but the Celtics are a different matter. They have a lot more options who are on a high and their two-way abilities mean that sealing the deal is tough especially when they get their long-ball going.
The Celtics are an elite defensive team and they did a great job of holding the Heat below 30% from the three-point line in Game 2. They forced 14 turnovers and despite getting outrebounded, they were good at sealing chances when the Heat looked for second-chance points. The Celtics made a huge statement in the last game for sure. There is no doubt that when they get a hot start on the offensive end, they don’t look back.
Jimmy Butler has done a fantastic job in the Playoffs but often he has been the only player who looks like he can drop 20 points, and Tyler Herro’s scoring has slashed significantly. On the other hand, Bam Adebayo has rather been too conservative with his shot selection and doesn’t even attempt 10 shots from the field at times. Can the Heat get it done with the series shifting to the Celtics’ home floor?
Fantasy-related tips
Jimmy Butler has been the major factor on both ends for the Heat and he remains the hottest fantasy option when it comes to both teams. Apart from him, it is difficult to trust any other player, but yes, Herro and Adebayo are the two other major scorers. However, Gabe Vincent has raised his stocks, but it will be interesting to see how he responds away from the home scenarios. Strus has been strong too despite his shooting inconsistencies whereas Oladipo will look to replicate his last game figures.
Jayson Tatum has been the highest-yielding option in terms of fantasy points. He has been one of the highest-scoring players and can also notch a bunch of steals. Apart from him, of course, Jaylen Brown brings a lot to the floor but Marcus Smart has been notching similar numbers too recently. Horford, and both the Williams are strong options too while Payton Pritchard has raised his value.
Peak Performers Predictions
Highest scorer: Jimmy Butler: 34 Highest Rebounder: Bam Adebayo: 10 Top assists: Marcus Smart: 9 Final scoreline Prediction: Heat 110 Celtics 105
Miami Heat Team News
Heat Expected Starting Five Two-way Star Wing: SF: Jimmy Butler Defensive Specialist: PF: PJ Tucker Inside Presence: C: Bam Adebayo Off-the-ball Shooter: SG: Max Strus Defensive Guard: PG: Gabe Vincent / Kyle Lowry
BENCH: Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Victor Oladipo, DeWayne Dedmon, Udonis Haslem, Omer Yurtseven, Marcus Garrett, Kyle Guy.
Boston Celtics Team News:
Celtics Expected Starting Five
Two-way High-Scoring Wing: SF: Jayson Tatum Defensive Forward: PF: Grant Williams Inside Presence: C: Robert Williams Two-way High-scoring Guard: SG: Jaylen Brown Defensive specialist and Playmaker: PG: Marcus Smart
BENCH: Daniel Theis, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Aaron Nesmith, Sam Hauser, Bruno Fernando.
Jimmy Butler(MIA) Points: 29 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 Jimmy has scored 29 or more in the majority of the Playoffs games and he is more than a scorer, clamping down boards, dish assists, and also playing elite defense. I believe he will be in 26+ points, 5-9 rebounds, and 3-5 assists range. He is usually a candidate for Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 39-53
Jayson Tatum(BOS) Points: 27 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 05 Steals: 01 SF Tatum was tremendous as usual in Game 2 and clipped four of six three attempts while nailing seven free throws. I believe the incredible all-around wing will be in 26-34 points, 4-7 rebounds/assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 38-52
Bam Adebayo(MIA) Points: 06 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 02 Center Adebayo made three of his six shots in the last game but he is more of a defensive threat and rebounding specialist. I believe he will be in 10-15 points, 7-11 rebounds, and 1-3 steals/blocks range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 18-32
Jaylen Brown(BOS) Points: 24 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 03 Brown made four of his seven threes in the last game and he has been nailing the long-ball well while doing much more on both ends. I expect a 21-26 points, 5-9 rebounds, and 3-5 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-42
Max Strus(MIA) Points: 06 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 02 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Shooting Guard Strus made just two of his seven three attempts but he has done a lot during the Postseason. I believe he will be in 9-15 points and 4-7 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 16-25
Marcus Smart(BOS) Points: 24 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 12 Steals: 03 Blocks: 01 PG Smart was on fire in Game 2 and let us not forget that the hustle player is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. I expect the brilliant playmaker to be in 14-19 points, 6-9 assists, and 4-7 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-46
(Recommended) PG: D White, G Vincent Nnamdi SG: M Smart SF: J Butler(SP) PF: J Tatum(PP), C Martin C: A Horford, R Williams
(Alternate) PG: V Oladipo, G Vincent Nnamdi, P Pritchard SG: M Strus, T Herro SF: J Brown(PP) PF: J Tatum(SP) C: A Horford
Tied series and the hungry Celtics return to their home floor, will they be able to get an advantage here? In a beautiful piece of news for India-based NBA viewers, this game can be viewed on streaming services JIO TV and Voot, the two designated streaming services for viewers in India. On the other hand, Sports 18 and VH1 are also going to showcase this game. To learn the scores, stats, and news, visit the official website of the NBA.