As they did in the previous round, the Celtics will answer the bell after a playoff loss

Celtics at Heat

FTX Arena – Miami, FL

8:30 PM ET

Miami -3.5

Don’t count out the Celtics. That’s what everyone should’ve learned in the last round of the playoffs.

Against Milwaukee, the defending NBA champions, Boston rallied from 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 deficits. Each time they trailed in the series, the Celtics were able to get the win they needed to even things up.

That 3-0 record after a postseason loss comes into play tonight. The Heat won the opener in the best-of-seven, taking advantage of an opponent that was drained after a Game 7 win to advance.

Tonight, it’ll be a different story. Miami will see the Boston team that had success against them during the regular season.

Prior to this series, the Celtics were 2-1 against the Heat this year. Included in that record was a 95-78 win in Miami.

In other words, Boston matches up well in the series. Game 1 could serve as an aberration, a predictable outcome given the circumstances.

Jayson Tatum will have to carry the Celtics if they’re going to even things up tonight. Boston’s star has been on a tear in the playoffs, averaging 28.3 points, 6.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. He’s putting his name on a short list of the best players in the NBA in the process.

Time and time again, people have counted Tatum and company out. Repeatedly, they’ve proven the naysayers wrong.

Lesson learned. Go with Boston tonight, as they’ll get back into the series.

Jason Schlefsky’s pick: Boston +3.5 (-110)

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Wednesday’s NBA Winners

Golden State -5.0 (-110)