Heat Turn Focus To Celtics
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) - With the Philadelphia 76ers disposed of, the Miami Heat now turn their attention to the original Big Three team, the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics swept the New York Knicks in their first round series and present quite a challenge to the Heat. From Paul Pierce and Ray Allen's scoring, to Kevin Garnett and the O'Neal's on the low-post, the Celtics have a good team.
In the playoffs, Pierce and Allen have both scored more than 22 points per game, while Garnett has contributed 15.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.
But, the Celtics' biggest weapon has been point guard Rajon Rondo. The star guard abused the New York Knicks for 19 points and 12 assists per game. For a Heat team that is weak at the point guard position, Rondo will present a huge challenge.
The Heat's best defender at the point guard position is Mario Chalmers. But, the Heat might go for a larger lineup to free up another defender to take on Rondo.
The Heat will counter with LeBron and Wade averaging more than 22 points per game and pulling down 10.6 and 8.4 rebounds respectively. Chris Bosh is averaging just less than 20 points and 9 rebounds per game as well.
James Jones has been a revelation for the Heat, averaging 7.6 points per game and hitting big shots through the playoffs. Add in Chalmers' 7.4 points per game and the Heat are showing signs of balance.
It will all come down to defense for the Heat, which just happens to be one of the team's strongest points. The Heat held the 76ers to just 86.6 points per game and below 42 percent from the field.
The series could also feature the returns of two big men. The Heat could see Udonis Haslem finally return from a November foot injury, while the Celtics could have Shaquille O'Neal back in the lineup as well.
