Boston Celtics: 3 keys to victory against No. 1 seed, the Miami Heat

Even without four of their starting five, the Boston Celtics made it a game on Monday night.

As short-handed as they have been all season, Boston was without Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, and Robert Williams III. The first three have a good chance to return to the lineup on Wednesday as the C’s battle the Miami Heat.

Unfortunately, Robert Williams will not return to the floor as he will be out indefinitely with a meniscus tear. So now Boston must figure out a way to finish strong down the stretch without their budding star Timelord.

Their first test comes in the form of the first place heat. The Celtic’s brief stint in first didn’t last long after the overtime loss to the Raptors.

Miami has quietly dominated all season long as they enter with a 48-28 record. The month of March has not been nearly as kind to the Heat as it has to the Celtics, as Miami is now 7-7 during the month.

Now finally healthy, Miami comes to Boston with a nearly clean injury report. Duncan Robinson Is questionable with an illness. Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin and game-time decisions with minor injuries.

As mentioned, JT and JB are expected back Wednesday, while Al Horford is not mentioned in the injury report.

Despite being without Rob, the Celtics are -4.5 point favorites at the time of this writing. A bit surprising seeing the Heat healthy and this being the first real game without Rob.

So how do the C’s move on without Rob and knock off the top seed in the East?

They must start by accomplishing these 3 keys: