As the NBA playoffs unfold, ESPN expert Kendrick Perkins casts doubt on the Miami Heat’s ability to overcome the Boston Celtics, citing the absence of key players Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier as a significant setback.

Following a tough loss in Boston, Perkins believes the Heat face an uphill battle against the Celtics despite a late comeback attempt.

“The Miami Heat could go 100% from the field and 100% from the 3, and they’re still gonna get swept in this series,” remarked Perkins during a recent interview, reflecting on the daunting challenge ahead for Miami.

The Heat’s roster has been depleted by the absence of Butler and Rozier, leaving them struggling to match up against the Celtics’ balanced lineup, proficient in both offense and defense.

Miami Heat made a late push to get closer to the Celtics

While players like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro have the potential to step up, many, including Perkins, doubt their ability to turn the tide in the series.

The matchup between Miami and Boston carries added weight due to their history in the previous season, where the Heat dashed the Celtics’ hopes of reaching the NBA Finals. Despite trailing 3-0 in the conference finals, Miami clinched victory in Game 7 on Boston’s home court, showcasing their resilience and playoff prowess.

However, in the most recent encounter between the two teams, the Celtics capitalized on the energy at the TD Garden, dominating the Heat with a barrage of 3-pointers.

The Celtics’ offensive onslaught led to a commanding 31-14 scoreline in the third quarter, extending their lead to a staggering 34 points in the fourth quarter, ultimately securing a decisive victory.

Although Miami staged a late rally to narrow the gap, their efforts fell short as the Celtics emerged victorious by a margin of 14 points. As the series progresses, the Heat must regroup and find ways to overcome their roster challenges to mount a credible challenge against the Celtics.