The Miami Heat are making it clear that the Boston Celtics aren’t the only Eastern Conference team riding a hot streak. Even without Jimmy Butler, the Heat have found their rhythm, securing five straight wins. Their recent victories include home wins against the Hornets, Warriors, and Hawks, followed by back-to-back road triumphs over the 76ers and Wizards. Currently sitting in 9th place in the East, Miami is well-positioned to secure a Play-In Tournament spot.
In their latest win over Washington, Bam Adebayo led the charge with a dominant 28-point, 12-rebound performance. With Butler gone, Adebayo has embraced a larger role, showcasing his two-way impact. Though known for his defense, he’s stepped up offensively, dropping 28 on the Wizards and 27 on the Warriors during this streak. He’s averaging 17.7 PPG and a team-high 9.7 RPG this season.
Tyler Herro remains Miami’s go-to perimeter threat, averaging 23.7 PPG and knocking down 3.3 threes per game. The All-Star guard also contributes 5.6 assists and 5.2 rebounds per contest. Andrew Wiggins, acquired in the Butler trade, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, forcing the Heat to rely on rookie Kel’el Ware in the frontcourt. The 20-year-old, 7-foot center has been solid, averaging 9.0 PPG and 7.2 RPG.
Off the bench, Terry Rozier provides scoring punch, while Pelle Larsson and Alec Burks have recently started in the backcourt. Miami’s depth and adaptability continue to fuel their success as they push toward the postseason.
The Boston Celtics are on an impressive nine-game winning streak, playing some of their best basketball of the season. Their recent West Coast road trip didn’t slow them down, as they secured victories against the Jazz, Blazers, Kings, Suns, Spurs, and Grizzlies. Currently sitting four games behind Cleveland in the Eastern Conference with just seven games left, Boston is likely to finish in second place.
In their latest matchup against Memphis, Al Horford led the way with 26 points off the bench. Despite turning 38, Horford continues to defy age with his consistent performances, excelling on both ends of the court. His defensive versatility allows him to guard both forwards and centers, whether in the paint or on the perimeter. However, he is listed as a game-time decision due to a toe injury.
Jayson Tatum is once again delivering an elite season, making a strong case for another First Team All-NBA selection. He leads the team with 27.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, while also averaging 3.5 made three-pointers. Tatum has scored at least 25 points in each of his last five outings. Jaylen Brown remains a key contributor, putting up 22.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while maintaining his reputation as a tough defender.
Boston’s backcourt duo of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday ranks among the league’s best two-way guard pairings, while Payton Pritchard provides a scoring boost off the bench with 14.0 points per game. The Celtics currently rank first in offensive efficiency and fourth in defensive efficiency, solidifying their status as one of the league's most well-rounded teams.
