Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat: 3 big questions and a prediction

Jayson Tatum (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)
Jayson Tatum (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Boston Celtics Al Horford (Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports)
Boston Celtics Al Horford (Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports) /

How will upgraded rosters impact this 2020 Eastern Conference Finals rematch?

The Heat and Celtics had similar lineups when they met in the 2020 playoffs. Both teams have made upgrades and that is why they are meeting again to try and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.

Boston had an extremely young roster in 2021. They only had one player (Gordon Hayward) who was 30 or older. One piece the Celtics were missing was a modern-day center. Enes Freedom and Daniel Theis were not cutting it; that is why the Celtics went and got Al Horford back.

Horford has proved to be worth every penny that Boston paid him. He is highly efficient on offense and his presence down low has been much needed in Robert Williams’ absence.  In the 2022 playoffs, Horford is averaging 13.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game.

Miami’s biggest upgrade to their roster this season is veteran PJ Tucker. He does not have the flashiest numbers by any means, but like Marcus Smart for the Celtics, Tucker provides a level of intensity that is hard to match.

Tucker has started in all eleven of Miami’s playoff games this season. He’s averaging 8.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. The Heat don’t need Tucker to excel on offense; they need him to be a pest on defense and do anything else to help the team win.