NBA.com
Home sweet home. Well not exactly sweet when you have to face the defending champs on your first game back from a long road trip. Miami will tip off against the Boston Celtics tonight for the first time this season and luckily it will be at the Heat's house.
But that is certainly no reason to relax. Boston, who started the new year dropping four out of their first five games, has strung together a five game winning streak and is looking to make it six in a row. Miami, who came out of the road trip with a 4-3 record, have a tough road ahead facing some of the East's top teams in the next six days.
Keys to win against Boston:
Point Guard Play - Like almost any play in the NBA, it all starts with the point guard. Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo is a crafty and lighting fast guard that loves to get in to the lane and so often creates open shots for others. One of the biggest keys to stifle the Boston offense is keep Rajon out of the lane. His jump shot is about as unreliable as it gets in NBA standards. Its a big job for rookie Mario Chalmers but if he can get Rondo to take contested jump shots and keep him around the perimeter then he shouldn't be a factor in the this game.
Crash the Boards - The last thing a team with multiple weapons needs is multiple chances. If Miami can limit the second chance points and win the rebound battle then they stand a fighting chance. Boston is sixth in the league in rebounding so out dueling them on the glass will be no easy task. Especially since the Heat have one of the smallest front courts in the NBA with Joel Anthony playing center and standing at a whopping 6'9".
Team Play - Boston is not the most mobile team in the league. With Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins anchoring the middle, if Miami can cover the passing lanes and get in to some early offense, more often then not there won't be a player taller than 6'8" around to protect the basket. That is where Miami needs to take advantage, they need to gang rebound and get out on the break as often as possible. In a half court set, Boston is one of the best defensive teams in the league so moving the ball and moving with out the ball is crucial.
With Orlando and Atlanta being the following games after Boston, Dwyane Wade and company will really be put to the test. These games mean more than just a tally in the win or loss column, they will gauge Miami's progress since these are the foes the Heat will likely face come playoff time.
Updates:
- Shawn Marion says he is sick and tired of all the trade rumors and that it is really becoming distracting. He is expected to play tonight against the Celtics after missing the last game with a strained groin.
- Dorell Wright's long awaited return can come as soon as tonight. "He's a little bit rusty," Spoelstra said, "but I didn't notice a limp. That's a welcome surprise." Dorell says he wants to get in some more practice time before hitting the court but he also stated that he isn't opposed to playing if needed.
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