Series Thread: Eastern Conference Finals: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat

[Shanemansj13]

Everyone had Philly?

You and Barkley maybe.

I had Boston and I think a lot of other people had them too.

Most had MIL. I definitely thought they were a top 3-4 seed but Philly up there too. I think just about everyone thought MIL would easily the best. I thought Miami would be a good team 4-6 seed. A lot of unknowns though early

 

[Shanemansj13]

Starting the playoffs, I had MIL and I didnt think twice. I really liked Toronto going into the playoffa but thought that would still be a very competitive series. Had winner losing to MIL. Never expected Miami in the ECF’s tbh. So definitely some surprises but I knew if Boston would go far, Tatum has to take the next step and look like a star player...he has done that, so that doesnt surprise me as much. This series can go either way, IF this happens-Boston wins, IF that happens Miami wins...that kind of series.

 

[Gman]

Hayward update:

Brad Stevens: Gordon Hayward likely to return in Eastern Conference Finals

Celtics coach Brad Stevens says he expects Gordon Hayward to return to play against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, though he didn’t offer a specific timeline on […]

www.boston.com

During the game’s broadcast, TNT sideline reporter Rebecca Haarlow reported that a person within the Celtics organization told her Hayward is expected to return “sooner rather than later.” The team had initially ruled Hayward out for at least four weeks following his Grade III ankle sprain suffered in Game 1 of Boston’s first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Sept. 15 marks the end of the four-week timetable. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals is scheduled to tip off that evening. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, with Game 3 to follow on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Stevens previously considered a four-week recovery to be “aggressive.”

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There is also the matter of Hayward's wife being about full term pregnant, and Hayward previously promising that he would leave the bubble for that event...

... there is chatter in Celtics circles that this resolve may have changed, and Hayward will stay in the bubble to play. That is speculation, though.

 

[DefCONNOne]

Why are they waiting until Tuesday to start this series?

 

[Gman]

Why are they waiting until Tuesday to start this series?

I'm guessing because they don't want the East playoffs to get too far ahead of the West playoffs.

 

[bksballer89]

I'm guessing because they don't want the East playoffs to get too far ahead of the West playoffs.

That plus Celtics need a few days off. Wouldn't be fair after a tough series to not give them a few days of rest. Also, there is football on Sunday and Monday

 

[Black Adam]

7 gamer. Honestly not sure WHO takes it...

 

[bksballer89]

I think both teams should want to play the Clippers over the Lakers

 

[wildturkey]

I think both teams should want to play the Clippers over the Lakers

I don't think either team can beat the Clippers. I think a fully healthy Celtics team has a decent chance to beat the Lakers, not favored, but a decent chance. I don't think the Heat can beat either West team (no disrespect)

 

[bksballer89]

I don't think either team can beat the Clippers. I think a fully healthy Celtics team has a decent chance to beat the Lakers, not favored, but a decent chance. I don't think the Heat can beat either West team (no disrespect)

Never said they can beat the Clippers. Lakers size present a major problem for both. Both teams can match up better with the Clippers IMO

 

[tlance]

Never said they can beat the Clippers. Lakers size present a major problem for both. Both teams can match up better with the Clippers IMO

@wildturkey is right.

Clippers are a superior version of the Celtics. Yeah, they match up position for position, but I don’t think that is good for the inferior talent in that situation.

IMO, Celtics are a good bit more likely to beat the Lakers. I think they might get a couple games like the Nuggets have done, but never really be considered a real threat to win the series against LAC.

 

[logic]

I think this is going to be a great series. Preseason, I had neither team making it this far, but with how both have played in the bubble I'm not surprised they both made it. I'll pick Celtics in 6 (sorry Boston fans, this may be a Barkley-esque curse with how my picks have been), mostly because, for some reason, Olynyk just bugs me. I believe these teams are well matched and play great team offense and defense. Should be a fun series to watch even though these are two teams I usually root against.

 

[Gman]

... Olynyk just bugs me...

Canadian dudes with a man bun should bug everybody.

 

[trojanfan12]

Canadian dudes with a man bun should bug everybody.

I think we can all agree #ManBunLivesDON'TMatter

 

[HurricaneDij39]

Everyone had Philly?

You and Barkley maybe.

I had Boston and I think a lot of other people had them too.

You had Philly last summer and you and I both know it.

 

[tlance]

You had Philly last summer and you and I both know it.

Try reading the other posts.

I thought he was talking about when the bubble started.

Yeah, I picked them in the summer. That ship has long since sailed for just about everyone.

 

[LogicMan]

If Hayward plays by game 3 it’s celtics in 6

If he does not play until game 4 or 5 Heat in 7

 

[Black Adam]

If Hayward plays by game 3 it’s celtics in 6

If he does not play until game 4 or 5 Heat in 7

I'm with you, man. this series just from an "eyeball" standpoint looks like a toss-up...

 

[bksballer89]

 

[bksballer89]

 

[bksballer89]