Celtics Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

So, the Celtics advance to Eastern Conference Finals after they beat the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday with a score of 112 – 88.

Celtics Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

In fact, this will be the third time in the last 4 years that the Celtics will meet in the conference finals and the fourth all-around against the Heat. However, the difference between last year and this year; is the Miami Heat had home court advantage last year. But, this year, the Heat will be coming to Boston.

Since the Heat beat Boston in 2 of the 3 matchups; will the Celtics prevail and advance to the championship game for the 2nd straight year? Check out my Celtics v Heat to Meet in Eastern Conference Finals May 2022 post to learn about last year’s season.

When the NBA playoffs started; the Celtics played the Hawks in Round 1. To learn more about that series; visit my Celtics v Hawks to Meet in the First Round 2023 post. After winning Round 1, the Celtics faced the 76ers. To read more about that series; check out my Celtics v 76yers – Round 2 NBA Playoffs 2023 post.

Celtics Advance to Eastern Conference Finals Schedule

Because the Celtics were the No. 2 seed, the Miami Heat will visit Boston for Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. And, the Miami Heat are the No. 8 seed. So, they will host the Celtics in Games 3, 4, and 6.

In the best of 7; the schedule is as follows.

Wednesday, May 17th – Game 1 – Miami in Boston – 8:30 p.m.

Friday, May 19th – Game 2 – Miami in Boston – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 21st – Game 3 – Boston in Miami – 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 23rd – Game 4 – Boston in Miami – 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 25th – Game 5 – Miami in Boston – 8:30 p.m. if necessary

Saturday, May 27th – Game 6 – Boston in Miami – 8:30 p.m. if necessary

Monday, May 29th – Game 7 – Miami in Boston – 8:30 p.m. if necessary

Meanwhile, any of the schedules are subject to change.

Difference Maker

In 2022, the Heat was the favorite to win the matchup. However, this year, they find themselves as the underdog.

Of course, one of the biggest differences is the Heat as the No 8 seed is only the 2nd team to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

Before the 2022=2023 season started; the Boston Celtics were the heavy favorite to win the NBA title. Since a lot changed before the season started; this year’s team has been up and down throughout the season. Will that make a difference in this matchup?

At the same time, one of the biggest differences is the Celtics suspended their first-year coach Ime Udoka before the 2022-23 season started and replaced him with his Assistant Coach, Joe Mazzulla.

In February 2023, Mazzulla was named as permanent head coach.

When you compare the Celtics to the Heat; the biggest advantage is Boston has much more talent.

So, who will win and advance to the NBA Finals?

Who Will Win – Celtics or Heat

So, who do you think will win this series? Will it be the No 2 seed, the Boston Celtics? Or, will it be the No 8 seed, the Miami Heat?

Although the Celtics were the favorite to win it all before the season started; this season has been up and down. Furthermore, their Coach, Joe Mazzulla has made some questionable calls in the series with the Hawks and 76ers. Will his lack of experience in the playoffs be a factor?

In addition, many of the Celtics losses have been perplexing.

Though the Miami Heat are the No 8 seed, don’t let this fool you.

Indeed, this series can go either way.

Will the Celtics head back to the NBA Finals? Or, will Miami Heat win the Eastern Conference Finals?

As always, I welcome your comments on the Celtics advance to Eastern Conference Finals. Will they win?

Of course, I will be up late watching this series.

In my opinion, this series will go the distance and I am hoping the Celtics advance to the NBA Finals.

Go Celtics!