Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics 9/15/20 - NBA Picks & Predictions

On Tuesday, the Miami Heat will play the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals best of seven series. Miami defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in their semifinal series clinching the series in Game 5 with a 103-94 victory over the Bucks. During the postseason, Miami has won eight of nine games and since returning from the long extended pandemic Miami has won 12 of 17.

Jimmy Butler is leading Miami in scoring during the postseason with an average of 21.8 points per game, while Bam Adebayo is the second-leading scorer, leading rebounder and leader in assists with averages of 16.2 points, 11.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. The second leading scorer is Goran Dragic with an average of 21.1 points per game and Dragic is one of six players averaging double-figures in scoring for Miami.

Boston's road to the Eastern Conference Finals was more difficult than that of Miami as the Celtics needed a full seven games to eliminate the Toronto Raptors in the conference semifinals. Boston defeated Toronto 92-87 in Game 7 on Friday. The series was dictated by defense as the losing team was held below 100 points five times during the series. 

Jayson Tatum is leading Boston in scoring and rebounding during the postseason with averages of 25.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, while Jaylen Brown is the second-leading scorer with an average of 21.0 points per game. Point guard Kemba Walker is the third leading scorer and the leader in assists with averages of 19.6 points and 5.3 assists per game. The Celtics have five players averaging double-figures in scoring.