NBA Preseason: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting Fives
The Boston Celtics will close off their NBA preseason schedule against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena in Miami, Florida in 2021-22. Ime Udoka’s undermanned team fought valiantly but fell to the Orlando Magic by a razor-thin margin in their last game. Despite the loss, Aaron Nesmith, who started the game, made an impression.
In 27 minutes of play, Nesmith had 23 points, three rebounds, and four assists. When Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are on the floor together, the threat of Nesmith on the perimeter will help the Boston Celtics’ spacing.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat were thrashed by the Atlanta Hawks despite the fact that about half of their squad was injured or rested. After a week off, a handful of coach Erik Spoelstra’s regulars should be available, ensuring a more competitive matchup this time.
Injury Update for the Boston Celtics
Due to the league’s health and safety standards, two of the Celtics’ top players, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford, will miss the game. They might be able to play once the regular season starts in a week.
The Celtics will suspend Marcus Smart for breaching team rules, per @Shamscharania
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 14, 2021
Smart will not play vs. Miami on Friday pic.twitter.com/TSDfm2L8oQ
Payton Pritchard was just added to the Celtics’ injury list after sustaining a possible nasal fracture during a game against the Orlando Magic. Starting point guard Marcus Smart will be benched due to suspension, therefore Pritchard’s absence will be felt.
Injury Update for the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat did not send a large number of players to Atlanta for the game versus the Hawks. The majority of those players should be available for the second night of a back-to-back at this time.
Those who aren’t working are recovering from an injury or illness. Victor Oladipo’s return date after tearing his ACL is yet to be determined. As a result, he will not be playing for the Heat in this game. Marcus Garrett, on the other hand, is suffering from lower back spasms and may not be able to play in this game.
Jimmy Butler and Omer Yurtseven are both suffering from cold-like symptoms and may be forced to sit out this preseason game.
Predicted Lineups for Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
Boston Celtics
Dennis Schroder should be the Boston Celtics’ default starting point guard in the absence of Marcus Smart and Payton Pritchard. Romeo Langford had a strong preseason and should take over as the starting shooting guard in lieu of Jaylen Brown.
Ime Udoka may give Aaron Smith another start after his good performance in the previous game to boost his confidence. He’ll most likely start at the small forward position. Jason Tatum, the Celtics’ top player, would have to go to power forward in that instance.
Miami Heat
Kyle Lowry, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, and PJ Tucker are all expected to return to the Heat’s starting lineup after a much-needed rest. Robinson should play off of Lowry at the 2 slots, allowing him to set up the plays.
Adebayo is the Heat’s undisputed man in the middle. Tucker will provide muscle and hustle from the power forward position. Jimmy Butler’s small forward position should be filled by Caleb Martin.
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Predicted Starting Fives
Boston Celtics
Point Guard – Dennis Schroder | Shooting Guard – Romeo Langford | Small Forward – Aaron Nesmith | Power Forward – Jayson Tatum | Center – Robert Williams.
Miami Heat
Point Guard – Kyle Lowry | Shooting Guard – Duncan Robinson | Small Forward – Caleb Martin | Power Forward – PJ Tucker | Center – Bam Adebayo.