The Butler Effect: Celtics vs Heat Game Analysis
So far this season, the Celtics have owned the Heat, winning all three games, and are on a nine-game winning streak. To add to their misery, this match will take place in Boston. The Heat are on a five-game winning streak, but before that, they lost five games in a row. Their defense is stingy, but their offense is a big part of their inconsistency this season.
Since trading Jimmy Butler to Golden State on February 6 of this year, the Heat have only won 9 out of 26 games, with five of those triumphs happening in the last five contests. Have they finally figured out how to win without Butler?
Boston Celtics Recent Scores
Boston last lost on March 12th against the league-leading Thunder (who are on a ten-game winning streak). In their last nine wins, the Celtics averaged 117.2 points per game while giving up only 102.9 points. They kept their opponents below 100 points in four of those contests.
The scores and dates for each time these two teams met are:
- Celtics 108, Heat 89 – Dec 2, 2024
- Celtics 103, Heat 85 – Feb 10, 2025
- Celtics 103, Heat 91 – Mar 14, 2025
The Heat’s defense effectively kept Boston’s offense below their average points per game, but Miami’s offense could only break past the 90-point ceiling in the most recent game. Boston just needs to keep doing what they’ve been doing to make this a 4-0 season series against Miami.
Miami Heat Recent Scores
In their last five wins, the Heat have faced the three teams occupying the bottom of the Eastern Conference. But they also defeated the seventh-seed Hawks and the Western Conference sixth-seed Warriors.
While the Celtics have been consistent throughout the season, the Heat are on a much-needed upswing. That’s the variable in this equation. It’s the hottest they’ve been all season. Sure, the Celtics have consistently beaten them, and sure, they’re stronger than any of the five teams Miami has won against these last five matchups, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the Heat are on fire.
Miami has averaged 118.8 points for and 98.4 points against in those last five wins. That’s better than Boston’s streak.
Close the Gap: Celtics vs Heat Prediction
Boston only has Jaylen Brown and Luke Kornet injured. Both are listed as day-to-day, with Brown’s being a knee injury and Kornet’s an illness.
Miami has four players not currently on the roster, all listed as day-to-day. Kevin Love is off for personal reasons, Andrew Wiggins has a right hamstring issue, Duncan Robins has lower back pain, and Davion Mitchell is sidelined with an illness.
Despite Miami’s recent surge, they haven’t had to take on as formidable a team as Boston in recent weeks. In their last meeting, the Heat came within 12 points of the Celtics while keeping Boston to only 103 points. Expect a close game with Boston coming out on top, 110-106. Remember to follow us at BossAction and never miss our game analysis for the most important NBA games.
