Game #49: Miami Heat (24-24) vs. Boston Celtics (30-16)

Oy...now we have to play at Boston AND Cleveland?  A week ago when I looked at the schedule I saw the Pistons and back-to-back Bucks' games and I figured we'd be riding a high into this very tough road trip.  Now, things don't seem as positive.  But hey...isn't that how things have gone down with this Heat team?  I wouldn't be totally shocked to see them shock us all and come home with a 2-1 road trip. 

Ok, that enough positivity for you all?  Look...the bottom line is pretty simple; the Heat needs to hit some shots.  In the two looses to Milwaukee the Heat shot a combined 36.7% from the field and a horrendous 27.2% from beyond the arc.  I'm not sure what has inspired this team to chuck up 20+ trey's every game but living and dying by the 3 is not the kind of ball that this team needs to be playing. 

Boston is still adjusting to having Kevin Garnett back in the lineup; they are 3-3 since he has returned.  It helps that Paul Pierce has been out and will hopefully be out again tonight.  He's expected back any time now but lets hope that for at least this night they waiver on the side of caution.  Officially he is listed as questionable with his ankle injury. 

GAME NOTES

• In the two losses to the Bucks, D-Wade shot just 33% and went 1-for-11 from beyond the arc.  
• Boston has been held under 100 points in each of their last 9 games.  They are 3-6 in those games. 
• Jermaine O'Neal is questionable and Udonis Haslem is probable, both dealing with back spasms. 
• Miami has lost 4 in a row to Boston and 10 of 11. 
• Rafer Alston is shooting 37-for-112 (33%) in his 15 games with the Heat. 

Tipoff from the TD Banknorth Garden is set for 8pm.  Boston is expecting snow today and tonight with a low around 20, but I'm sure the arena will be full of fans covered in green and white.  Must be nice...