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2012 NBA Playoffs, Heat Vs. Celtics Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Celtics travel to South Beach to take on the Heat in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Presswire

A 66-game regular season and two playoff series have all led to this.

The Boston Celtics have successfully navigated a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals, pitting themselves against the Miami Heat in Game One on Monday night.

Boston has the look of a potential champion, although it did take seven games to knock off the pesky Philadelphia 76ers. The loss of Avery Bradley for the remainder of the playoffs is also a major blow, especially considering he would've been guarding Dwyane Wade in this series.

Miami has been unflappable thus far. The Heat destroyed a pathetic and injured New York Knicks squad in five quick games before dispatching the Indiana Pacers in six, winning the final three contests.

LeBron James and Wade have been spectacular as of late. They'll need to continue their torrid pace with Chris Bosh's status still very much up in the air. Even if he comes back, it's impossible that he'll be 100 percent anytime soon.

The main storyline is whether or not the old men of the Celtics have one more run in them. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will all need to play their best while contributions are made from the role players.

Boston has a distinct advantage with its depth and to win this series, that needs to shine through. Players such as Brandon Bass have to make an impact and dominate for stretches.

It's the match-up everyone has wanted to see for weeks, and now it's upon us.

TV: ESPN

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to check out our page Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.