Heat vs. Celtics: Injury-Riddled Matchup Sets Stage for Intense NBA Showdown

The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are set to face off in an intriguing NBA Eastern Conference matchup on Monday, December 2, at the TD Garden in Boston. The game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, comes with several key players listed as questionable or out due to injuries.

The Celtics, currently boasting a 16-4 record, are favorites in this game, listed at -10 on the spread and -500 on the moneyline, with the Heat at +375 to win outright. However, Boston’s dominance is tempered by significant injury concerns. Jaylen Brown is questionable due to an illness, and Derrick White is also questionable with a right foot sprain. Additionally, Jayson Tatum is listed as questionable with right patella tendinopathy, while Jrue Holiday and Al Horford are out with knee and toe issues, respectively. Kristaps Porzingis, who recently returned from injury, is also expected to sit out due to injury management.

The Miami Heat, with a 9-9 record, are looking to bounce back from a 119-116 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Jimmy Butler, a crucial player for the Heat, is listed as doubtful, which could significantly impact Miami’s strategy. Other key players for the Heat, such as Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, will need to step up to fill the void. Herro has been consistent, scoring double-digit points in all 18 games this season, while Adebayo has taken on a more facilitative role, dishing out 27 assists in his last three games.

The over/under for the game is set at 220.5 points, with some analysts leaning towards the over due to the potential for increased pace and three-point shooting from both teams, especially if key players are absent. The Heat tend to play faster and shoot more three-pointers without Butler, while the Celtics may adopt a more small-ball approach if their big men are out.

Despite the injury uncertainties, the Celtics have a strong home record, having won nine of their last 11 games and all of their last 12 home games on the second leg of a back-to-back. The Heat, however, have struggled against the Celtics recently, losing seven of their last eight games against them.

The game will be broadcast live on NBA League Pass and can also be streamed via FuboTV.