Game 4 under high tension this night between Boston and Miami at the TD Garden. After Game 3 lost in a wild atmosphere, the Celtics have no room for error at 2:30. A return to Florida at 3-1 would probably be final.
Whatever happens, this match is a turning point in the series, as Game 4 regularly is. The Heat play the break with then the possibility of finishing the series quietly at home, while the Celtics must equalize at all costs to precisely not find themselves trailing 3-1. Game 3 left traces, especially physical ones, and filled the infirmaries well. However, the majority of players should be present tonight. Miami communicated on its injury report and only Tyler Herro is missing for South Beach. Regarding Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Gabe Vincent and PJ Tucker, they will normally warm up with the intention of playing. Among the greens, Jayson Tatum is listed probable and his teammates Marcus Smart and Robert Williams questionable. These potential absences on the Celtics side can be a determining factor for the game of the night. As much as Miami can do without Tyler Herro, in poor shape this postseason, Boston more than needs Tatum and Smart to win. The Heat proved in the second half of the previous meeting that they could hold on even without their main players (in this case Jimmy Buckets), even if it took many 3-point clutches and a Bam Adebayo big nights. For Boston’s potential absentee weights, it’s been found to weigh a bit more in the balance, even with a 40-point Jaylen Brown. The presence of a Tatum in great shape is more than recommended to play the wins this night on the local side, especially since the boy is known to burn when his team has their backs to the wall.
#MIAvsBOS INJURY UPDATE: Tyler Herro (groin) has been ruled out of tonight’s Game 4 vs the Celtics.
Jimmy Butler (knee), Kyle Lowry (hamstring), Max Strus (hamstring), Gabe Vincent (hamstring) & P.J. Tucker (knee) will all warm up with the intent to play.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 23, 2022
If we rely on our certainties and that the players do not return from their minor injuries, it is certain that Bam Adebayo and Jaylen Brown will have to repeat the same performances as in Game 3 to carry their franchises. The pivot of the Heat will always have in its path Al Horford and Grant Williams, very difficult to dominate twice in a row this postseason. Jaylen Brown will have to wrestle with Max Strus or even Victor Oladipo, one of the heroes of Game 3. A challenge that may be simpler on paper than that of Adebayo, but beware appearances can be deceiving. It is nevertheless assumed that both teams should have their best weapons on the floor tonight. The question is in what state? We cross our fingers to see the best version of the two boys. It is not for nothing that they are placed alongside Luka Doncic or Giannis Antetokounmpo in the category of the best players of the 2022 Playoffs. The physical fight will therefore continue tonight, beware of possible relapses. Miami can have a small advantage at this level with the vice that characterizes this team and their ability to press where it hurts.
A Game 4 of the utmost importance is therefore being played tonight at the TD Garden from 2:30 a.m. Victory is imperative for the Celtics not to go to the knife in the throat in South Beach. So get the popcorn and coffee ready because the intensity of this encounter promises to be electric.