Celtics/Heat on the 10th of April

[Drucci]

Just wondering what are your thoughts about this game. I've read a lof of articles and even statements by the Heat players themselves (if I'm not mistaken) about the importance of this 4th and last game between the two teams but seeing that it's played 3 days before the end of our regular season (the 13th against NY) I wonder if Doc will rest the guys for the playoffs and basically surrender this game or play this game seriously to go up 4-0 on Miami and definitely put our psychological advantage against them at 100%.

Maybe it will depend on the standings, i.e if the game needs to be won to get the 1st seed over Miami? Although we have the tiebreaker already.

[GreenNote]

Very good post. I was thinking about this a few days ago and thought that winning the last match-up would potentially be more important than winning the season series (which they obviously have).

That said, this game might be like one of those pre-playoff games where teams don't want to show their hand. If it determines home-court advantage, it will definitely be a playoff-type atmosphere game.

I personally think that the Cs should go out there to win that game, especially like how it will be in Miami but depending on what the standings are at that point, we might not see a 'real game'.

[GreenEnvy]

If 1st place is wrapped up (don't forget Chicago is right there), I doubt the C's play their stars heavy minutes. I don't think Doc will DNP them, but we will let the bench decide the game.

We have absolutely nothing to prove to them or anyone. If we need the game, we should go after it, but otherwise, it doesn't matter. Even if they win against our second team, does that really help them psychologically?

Actually, if HCA is already decided, I even doubt their Little Three play.

[manl_lui]

if we have a good lead for first place than i say put in the 2nd unit and rest the starters...

A. the 2nd unit can get more experience/playing time to be prepared for the postseason

B. for players like Jeff and etc, itd be nice for them to guard James and Wade just to see what theyre up against in the playoffs

[Greenbean]

I dont even know what Im having for dinner tonight!

But seriously, I think we floor it and go for the W with all we have. 4-0 in the regular season is a nice psychological edge IMO. Kind of like how I would have been afraid to face the Hawks last year in the playoffs. It seemed like we couldnt beat them.

[BballTim]

I dont even know what Im having for dinner tonight!

But seriously, I think we floor it and go for the W with all we have. 4-0 in the regular season is a nice psychological edge IMO. Kind of like how I would have been afraid to face the Hawks last year in the playoffs. It seemed like we couldnt beat them.

  We'd have crushed the Hawks. Did you see what Orlando did to them, right before we almost swept the Magic?

[droponov]

The psychological edge from winning regular season games acts mostly upon the fans psyche and expectations. There are plenty of examples of teams winning playoff series after losing or being swept in the regular season games.