Game 7 Preview: Celtics at Heat

Avery Bradley has always given Dwyane Wade fits on defense.

The Celtics (2-4) won their second-consecutive game last night as they topped the Orlando Magic, 91-89. In a game that saw neither team shoot higher than 40%, the Celtics got 7 fourth-quarter points from Avery Bradley and huge buckets from Jeff Green and Kelly Olynyk in the final two minutes.

Now they will really be tested as they travel to South Beach for the second leg of their back-to-back in the sunshine state. Tonight, they take on the two-time defending world champion Miami Heat (4-2). After starting the year 1-2, the Heat have won three straight. They're coming off a 102-97 victory on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The tough task for the Celtics might not be as tough as expected. Miami's LeBron James has been dealing with back soreness and is questionable for tonight's game. James has been dealing with the issue since the season began and aggravated the injury when he dove for a loose ball in the first half of Thursday's game. He told reporters at yesterday's practice that he plans on playing in tonight's game, but Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters that James will be re-evaluated before the game and a decision on his status will be made from there.

Even if James doesn't play, this is no easy task. But it sure would be a hell of a lot easier.

Projected lineups:

Celtics:
Avery Bradley
Jordan Crawford
Jeff Green
Brandon Bass
Vitor Faverani

Heat:
Mario Chalmers
Dwyane Wade
LeBron James*
Udonis Haslem
Chris Bosh

* Questionable - back soreness

Keys to the game:

1. An answer for the Birdman: Odd, right? But Andersen has been a good measuring stick for the Heat's success. In both their losses, he is shooting 25% and averaging only 2.0 points and 0.5 rebounds. In their wins, he is shooting 73% and averaging 7.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. When Birdman is going well, the Heat are a much better team. Limiting his effectiveness is something the Celtics need to make a priority.

2. Bradley vs. Wade: Since he started drawing the assignment of covering Dwyane Wade, Avery Bradley has excelled. In the five games they've squared off against each other, Wade is averaging 15.8 points, 3.4 turnovers, and is shooting 38%. Bradley has done a real good job of limiting Wade's impact on these games. He's going to have to do the same tonight if the Celtics want to sweep this Floridian back-to-back.