The Boston Celtics are currently seeking their 18th championship in the 2023 NBA playoffs. This season marks the teams’ 59th time in franchise history making the playoffs, and their 27th time making the Eastern Conference Finals.

Throughout the playoffs, the Celtics have been the favorite to win the NBA championship, however the Miami Heat threaten the Celtics’ chances at making the finals.  The Celtics have been the favorite to win the championship because of their elite defense, their unstoppable offense and NBA All-Stars teammates.

The Celtics have two NBA All-Stars on their roster: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum was recently placed on the All NBA first team while Brown was awarded All NBA second team. Currently, the two are one of the best duos in the NBA.

The accolades for the Boston Celtics don’t stop there. The Celtics’ point guard, Marcus Smart, recently won the NBA’s Hustle award. Their shooting guard, Derrick White, was selected for the NBA’s all defensive second team.

Being the second seed in the Eastern Conference and having a 34-18 record, it’s clear that the Celtics have had a successful season for far. So, the only thing that stands in the way of their 23rd finals appearance is the Miami Heat.

After The Heat lost their first play-in game and won their second, they just barely scraped their way into the 2023 playoffs. Things seemed grim for The Heat in the first round of playoffs where they had to face the Miluakee Bucks, the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks were one of the favorites to win the championship at the time, but The Miami Heat eliminated the Bucks in just five games. This upset for The Bucks in the Eastern Conference playoff run is because of the extraordinary numbers that Jimmy Butler, who plays Small Forward, put up. Butler is currently averaging around 30 points, seven rebounds and 5.6 assists per game in the 2023 playoffs.

While the Heat has had a historic run in the playoffs, the injuries of players Victor Oladipo and Tyler Herro may pose a threat to the Heat’s chances at victory in the playoffs. The Heat have still been putting on a show in the playoffs thanks to key players such as Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry, Max Strus, Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin. These players, along with Butler, have been excellent when it comes down to must-win games.

The Celtics and Heat faced off in the 2022 playoffs as well, with the Celtics defeating them in seven games. On paper, the Celtics should be able to beat the Heat. The Celtics are arguably the better team with of their key players, but the outcome really depends on the coaching of Joe Mazzulla, the health of Tatum and Brown and the defense of Al Horford, Derrick White and Marcus Smart.

The Heat have the advantage on the Celtics with a 3-1 lead, but the Celtics next game will be at home. As a Celtics fan, I believe that you “gotta believe in Boston.” The team is one of the best that Celtics fans have seen in years, but the Heat are seeking revenge from the 2022 playoffs where the Celtics defeated them. The Celtics’ potential is unmatched, and if they can overcome this deficit, a championship win is within their reach.