Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions March 14th 2025

Heat Face Challenge in Ending 5-Game Slide vs. Celtics

The Miami Heat are struggling to compete against quality opponents, posting an 8-23 record against teams at .500 or better. Now, they face another major test as they try to snap a season-high five-game losing streak against the NBA-leading Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra remains optimistic despite the rough patch.

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“We’re at our best when we don’t fear anyone,” Spoelstra said. “It just takes a win to get back on track.”

Miami’s Recent Struggles

The Heat are coming off a 119-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, despite a stellar 31-point performance from Tyler Herro. However, Spoelstra was particularly impressed with rookie Pelle Larsson’s hustle.

“That’s one of the best plays I’ve seen,” Spoelstra said, referencing Larsson’s effort to secure multiple loose balls on a single possession while sitting on the floor. “I think he got three loose balls on one possession.”

Spoelstra is challenging his players to embrace adversity.

“You just have to reveal your competitive character,” he said. “You can go the other way and say this is too much. Or, you can use adversity to try to find something better. You always have a choice.”

Boston’s Recent Run

The Celtics enter this matchup after having their five-game winning streak snapped in a 118-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Boston attempted 36 three-pointers in the first half—the most in any half in NBA history—finishing 20-for-63 (31.7%) from beyond the arc.

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Despite the loss, Boston has been dominant, winning 15 of its last 19 games. However, they remain without star center Kristaps Porzingis, who has been sidelined since Feb. 26 due to a viral illness.

“I’ve been dealing with some viral illness that we’ve not been able to fully identify yet,” Porzingis said. “I’m recovering and getting better.”

Porzingis, who missed the first month of the season with an ankle injury, is averaging 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 32 games. His absence significantly impacts the Celtics’ game plan on both ends of the court.

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Boston’s Key Players

Even without Porzingis, Boston boasts one of the deepest rosters in the league.

• Jayson Tatum: Averaging 27.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and a career-high 5.9 assists.
• Jaylen Brown: Last year’s NBA Finals MVP, putting up 23.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and a career-best 4.7 assists per game.
• Derrick White & Jrue Holiday: Elite defensive guards who provide stability on both ends of the floor.
• Payton Pritchard & Sam Hauser: High-percentage shooters who can catch fire from deep. Pritchard (41.7% from three) scored a career-high 43 points on March 5, while Hauser (39.9% from three) had a 33-point performance against Utah earlier this week.
• Al Horford: The 38-year-old veteran is filling in for Porzingis, recording 18 points and 10 rebounds in Wednesday’s loss.

With Miami desperate for a win and Boston eager to rebound, Friday’s matchup could be a heated battle between two teams trying to prove their worth.