Jayson Tatum and Jimmy Butler, shown in action last season, look to face off again in Monday night’s matchup.
- The Celtics look unstoppable. Boston was the best team in the NBA last season, culminating in a championship. Expectations were just as high this season, and they’ve delivered with a 16-4 record. They also boast the top offensive rating in the league and just got Kristaps Porzingis back this week.
- Miami is starting to find it. Miami found a recent rhythm, winning four of five prior to Sunday’s loss against the Raptors. This turnaround coincides with the return of Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier to the lineup.
- Bam Adebayo’s new role. Adebayo has developed into an All-Star and is now taking on a different role this season. The big man has dished out 27 assists across his last three games, flirting with triple-double averages in that span. It’s clear the Heat are running their offense through him, which could lead to a career year.
- Jayson Tatum’s superstar impact. Tatum continues to prove why he’s one of the NBA’s brightest stars. Leading the Celtics with 29.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, he’s solidifying his place among the league’s elite. If Boston maintains its dominance, Tatum could be a strong contender for MVP honors.
- Boston’s dominance over Miami last year. The Celtics swept the regular-season series and took a playoff matchup in five games. Across those seven meetings, Boston outscored Miami by an average of 19 points per game.
