Boston Celtics looking to avenge past playoff losses against Miami Heat in first round matchup

The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat are set to renew their playoff rivalry in the first round of the 2024 NBA postseason. This matchup comes after the Heat secured the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference with a play-in victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Last year, the Heat emerged victorious in a thrilling seven-game Eastern Conference Finals series against the Celtics. Boston fought back from a 3-0 deficit to force a Game 7, but ultimately fell short as Miami advanced to the NBA Finals.

This year, both teams have undergone changes. The Celtics will be without key players like Marcus Smart and Robert Williams, but have added Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to bolster their roster. On the other hand, the Heat will be missing star Jimmy Butler due to injury.

The first-round series is set to kick off at TD Garden, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Fans can expect an intense battle between these two Eastern Conference rivals as they look to write the next chapter in their playoff history.

Before the series begins, let’s take a look back at their recent playoff meetings, including their matchups in the 2020, 2022, and 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics will be seeking revenge for their past defeats, while the Heat will aim to continue their postseason success against Boston. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting and competitive playoff series between these two storied franchises.