2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Series Odds and Predictions – Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Picks and Series Price

2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Series Odds and Predictions – Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Picks and Series Price: While this isn’t the Eastern Conference finals that many expected when the playoffs began, but the matchup between the second-seeded Miami Heat and fourth-seeded Boston Celtics has all the makings of a classic. After Miami’s collapse in the last year’s finals, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade know that vindication and validation can only be achieved by winning a championship. Meanwhile, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett know that this is likely their last chance to win a second championship together. Throw in the fact that these two franchises have developed quite a rivalry the last couple of seasons, and neither side is going to go down without a fight.

On the surface, the momentum appears to be in the Heat’s corner. Even without forward Chris Bosh, James and Wade looked simply unstoppable inMiami’s last series against the Indiana Pacers, and the speed and athleticism of the Heat on both ends of the court was simply overwhelming. Boston, on the other hand, is an older, slower bunch that needed seven games to get past the eighth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers. Not to mention that Allen and Pierce are both battling nagging injuries. That being said, the Celtics should have a big edge on the mental side of things. The veteran group isn’t intimidated by Miami’s superstars, and they know that all the pressure is on the Heat in this series. More importantly,Boston has been James’ nemesis throughout his career, and that fact will certainly be lurking in the back of his mind.

Both teams are similar on paper, but they accomplish things in much different way.Miamiuses its speed and athleticism to create easy scoring opportunities and to disrupt opponents on the defensive end.Boston also shoots a high percentage on offense and plays stingy defense, but the Celtics use execution in the half court to get the job done. Tempo will be critical throughout the series, but it will be more important forBoston. By ousting Boston in the playoffs last season, the Heat showed they can win at a slower pace. The Celtics, on the other hand, have little chance keeping pace withMiamiin transition.

2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Series Odds and Predictions – Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Picks and Series Price: Neither side has much depth, which means the big names on both teams are likely going to decide this series. For Boston, point guard Rajon Rondo and Garnett are going to be key factors. Miami’s stout perimeter defenders are likely going to focus on shutting down Pierce and Allen, leaving Rondo with some open looks. If he can assert himself as a scorer and a distributor, the NBA’s leading assist man will be a handful fro the Heat defense to contain. Meanwhile, Garnett is by far the most-polished post scorer in this series. With Bosh’ status in doubt, Garnett should have the opportunity to score early and often in the paint. If he can go for 20-plus points per game, Miami really doesn’t have a player that can keep him in check.

For Miami, living and dying with James and Wade has become norm. The question is whether or not the two will continue to play like a well-tuned machine. If they do, Boston doesn’t have the speed on the perimeter or the size inside to stop the Heat’s dynamic duo from getting to the rim and the foul line. If James and Wade struggle to find their chemistry as they have at times in the past, the Celtics are still good enough to beat Miami.

In the end, this series boils down to the mental toughness of both teams. Win or lose, Boston’s current core of players has been successful because of its 2008 championship. Miami, on the other hand, has to win or it will have its season be labeled a failure for the second year in a row. The pressure for James to win a title is enormous, and for a player and for a team that has struggled to live up to expectations, that is a very dangerous and volatile situation. All Boston needs to do is put an ounce of doubt in the minds of James and Wade, and there is realistic chance that the Heat could unravel. The Celtics have the smart, experienced players needed to play these mind games and orchestrate an upset.

Prediction: Boston Celtics Win in 7 Games

Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Series Price
Miami Heat -550
Boston Celtics +450

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