Must beat Miami in 5 games or less

[KGs Knee]

I would put money on this not happening.

But...

If we want to beat Cleveland, we need the rest.  Beating  Miami in 5 will probably result in 4 days off before starting the next series.

[rav123]

I would put money on this not happening.

But...

If we want to beat Cleveland, we need the rest.  Beating  Miami in 5 will probably result in 4 days off before starting the next series.

Yes our vets "knee-d" all the rest they can get. Sorry

But I fear a blowout win for us might make us too cocky, and make the team believe in the "switch". Which will lead to an early second round exit.

[liam]

Every year we play a team that is catching fire at the end of the season.

[Bahku]

I don't think it's a "must", but it sure would be nice.

[Chris]

Eh, Rest is overrated.  While Lebron is young, the rest of the Cavs rotation is pretty old as well. 

As long as they are not playing back to backs, or have a series like the Bulls series last year (multiple OT and incredibly intense games), I don't think fatigue is going to be the reason the C's do or don't beat the Cavs.

[Donoghus]

I think its overplayed a bit with so many off-games between games.  Certainly, fatigue could play a factor but I'm not sure that playing a 6 games series while CLE sweeps would spell the end for the Celtics

As Chris mentioned, unless you have another epic 1st rounder like last year's Chicago series with all the overtimes, I think the fatigue factor isn't as huge as some make it out to be.

[footey]

Let's just worry about winning the series. To say we must win in 5 suggests that it is a foregone conclusion we will beat Miami. Not the case.

[celts55]

They could win in 4, rest for a week and i still don't see them beating Cleveland. Is that too negitive?

[Fafnir]

Let's just worry about winning the series. To say we must win in 5 suggests that it is a foregone conclusion we will beat Miami. Not the case.

Not necessarily.

The OP is saying that we need to finish the Heat series fast if we're going to beat the Cavs. That doesn't say the Heat series is a given.

[marseye]

4 will be nice 

[celticinorlando]

just worried about game 1.

[Change]

Agreed. Its not so much physical but mental fatigue. This C's squad tend to fold when challenged. The quicker you finish off the Heat the better.

[liam]

I agree with the " Must beat Miami" part. I don't think it matters too much, in how many games we beat them. We need to beat them in as many games as it takes.

[jimmehx]

BEAT MIAMI!

[slamtheking]

I understand the premise but not sure if I buy into it. 

If we take them in 5, CLE will be wrapping it up with Chi at about the same time so the C's could get right into the next series in rhythm. 

On the other hand, if they go 6-7 games, CLE will most likely have been waiting for a few days.  That may work in our favor if CLE gets overconfident and a bit rusty.  C's could steal the first game in that case.  A bit farfetched perhaps but that may help the C's in that series.