Boston Celtics are they up to the task of stopping the best running basketball team in the NBA, the Miami Heat. Eastern Conference Playoff Semifinals tips off Sunday and maybe the most watched game of the day. Since Lebron James broke the hearts of Cleveland Cavalier’s fans with the Decision, this game has been on all fans’ radar. Before the Kendrick Perkins’ trade, Boston would have been the clear-cut favorite to win this series, but it not as defined now Perkins is playing with Oklahoma.

Dwyane Wade and Lebron James give the Heat an advantage; however, Boston is still a team that is better in the half court than this team. The gritty play they force opponents to play leads to team ready for a long playoff series. Boston is the older team and may just be worn down by the running the Heat will do throughout the series. Boston inside presence will also make it difficult for the Heat. Chris Bosh good on block but defensively he will be unable to guard everyone the Celtics can throw at him during the game. Kevin Garnett will more than likely draw the assignment of guarding Bosh and James on occasion. Garnett is far better defensive player than anyone Bosh has faced in the NBA Playoffs.

Rebounding will be very important throughout the series. Heat needs the ball off the boards quickly to run and play defense which they can do well when guarding the perimeter and getting steals. Heat will have tough time rebounding against Boston because the Celtics are better rebounding team than Miami.

The Boston Celtics win the series in six games, if they can control the boards and force the Heat into a half court game. Rajon Rondo needs a flawless series and both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will have to put up at 20 points a game.

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