Hoops Habit
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One nightmare matchup for the NBA’s top seeds in each conference

By Ari Schwartz

Nov 30, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) and guard Trae Young (11) react after timeout against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) and guard Trae Young (11) react after timeout against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics: Miami Heat

The Celtics have the versatility to match up well with any team in the Eastern Conference, but an experienced superstar in Jimmy Butler could give Boston a run for their money, as he did in last year’s playoffs. In fact, Butler was one shot away from defeating Boston and moving on to the Conference Finals.

Obviously, Miami has regressed since, resulting in their likely play-in finish to the regular season, but a roster with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo has a chance of winning against anyone and an even better chance against a Celtics team that oftentimes lacks players like them.

For example, as good as Jayson Tatum can be, he’s still a young player prone to making mistakes, as we saw in last year’s playoffs, while Butler has rarely faltered in big moments. Additionally, Robert Williams III has proven to be an elite rim protector when on the court, but that’s rarely been the case as he’s only played in 34 of the Celtics’ 80 games this season, while Adebayo has played in 73 games this year.

Boston certainly has the talent advantage in this series, but they’ll need to come out strong if they want to overcome the grit and experience of the Heat.