The Miami Heat are currently fighting hard to make their way into the post season.
After Thursday night’s big win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Heat sit in seventh place in their conference with a 48-37 record.
There is a good chance they can claim that seed and face the Boston Celtics in the opening round of the playoffs when they start next weekend.
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins believes this could be bad news for the Celtics.
“If I’m the Celtics, I’m praying I don’t see Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs,” Perkins said on Friday’s edition of “First Take.”
“If I’m the Celtics, I’m praying I don’t see Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. … It’s going to be an upset. Cautious … I’m telling you that right now.”
,@kendrickperkins pic.twitter.com/u8rlU11Q1p
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 7, 2023
Heat and Celtics fans came out to support their teams on Friday, with no support or criticism of Perkins’ comments on social media.
One fan joked, “Ya Tatum is shaking his boots at the thought of matching up defensively with Brown White and Brogdon Stuss and Herro.”
Yes Tatum is shaking his boots at the thought of matching up with Brown White and Brogdon Strauss and Herro defensively.
— Nathaniel Smith® (@nateVsmith) April 7, 2023
No, this year’s summer is average. Butler is real but Tatum is better and the Celtics have more depth
— Matthew Akhibe 🏆 (@mattakhide) April 7, 2023
Some fans didn’t think Perkins’ prediction was far-fetched.
One fan said, “A series against The Heat would be problematic for CS because they really are trading against the Heat.”
“Would make for an ugly series,” he said.
A series against the Heat would be problematic for CS because they are really trading against the Heat. would make for an ugly series
— Byron Solomon (@BSolomonsHood) April 7, 2023
One fan, a loyal Philadelphia 76ers follower, thought Perkins had a point.
Butler is a beast in the playoffs! I don’t want the sixers to play the heat this year
— Jim Krieger (@jimkryjer) April 7, 2023
There are many predictions going around about many teams right now and all are open to debate.
What isn’t open to debate is that the Heat have seemed more focused and competitive lately.
This can definitely cause some headaches for the Celtics.
But the Celtics have a good chance to overtake the Heat again.
next:
NBA Analyst Says Celtics Need To Avoid 1 Team In First Round