Philadelphia's rim attacks and extra shots meet a Boston frontcourt that has recently changed games with defense and rebounding. The first missed shot may matter as much as the first drive. Utah's ball handlers face a Miami defense that turns pressure into transition chances. That game may hinge on who supplies the next scorer after the first action is contained.
Maxey and Brown can get downhill for Philadelphia, with Embiid drawing help and Walker working the glass. Boston can rotate Queta and Robinson through the center minutes, then use Tatum's passing to find George, White and its other perimeter finishers. Bona remains out after missing Philadelphia's last game, making Walker's bridge minutes more important; Embiid played in that game, and Boston's core played at Milwaukee. Boston's comeback there showed Robinson changing a defensive stretch while George supplied the next scoring wave. I expect those center stops and the Tatum-led second action to carry through the closing possessions. That's why I'm siding with the Boston Celtics away from home.
Utah's Peterson has scored through pressure, but George's ankle injury removes a drive-and-pass partner who played substantial minutes in the Jazz's last game. Mitchell and Larsson can test that handoff, while Giannis and Adebayo draw help inside and create shots for Miami's wings. Markkanen missed Utah's last game and remains questionable; Giannis played substantial minutes against Sacramento and is listed probable. Utah's recent second halves show how difficult it has been to rebuild an attack after a defensive adjustment. Miami answered a late tie at Sacramento through Larsson, Mitchell and Giannis in sequence, then completed the stop. That's why I'm siding with the Miami Heat away from home.
