The Celtics’ long win streak was finally snapped by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Still, Boston has been on fire lately, averaging 120.4 points per game in their last 10 outings! They’ve also been raining down nearly 20 three-pointers per game. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat continue to be a defensive force, allowing just the fifth-fewest points, this season. Defense is their bread and butter, and it’s been the same story this year. Can Boston keep up their high-scoring ways against such a tough defense? That’ll be the real test.

Boston is putting up big numbers this season, scoring the second-most points per game and dominating from deep, hitting the most threes in the league. They’re all about launching shots from beyond the arc, and with Miami sometimes allowing opponents to get hot from deep, the Celtics could have a field day. If Boston finds their rhythm, the Heat might be in for a tough night.

Miami excels defensively and usually avoids foul trouble. But when it comes to scoring, they’re NOT lighting it up. They rank 11th in the fewest points per game and make the 7th-fewest field goals in the league. To make matters worse, they’re shooting just 44.4% from the floor, one of the lowest. The C’s defense could make life even harder for the Heat, potentially keeping their score low in this matchup.

The Celtics are feeling Jaylen Brown’s absence!

Jaylen Brown sat out Sunday’s game against the Cavs because of illness, and Derrick White was also sidelined with a foot injury. Both of these players are known for their solid defense, but they also play key roles in offense. Without them, the Boston Celtics missed out on their two-way contributions, making it tougher to secure the win. There is no update on the C’s stars as of now.

Further, a short injury report for the Celtics, though. With Kristaps Porzingis also returning from his long hiatus, the C’s only need Jaylen Brown to get healthy now. Then they’ll have probably the best starting five in the NBA.

The Heat need to actually turn up the heat…

Kel’el Ware (foot) missed Sunday’s game against the Raptors because of right foot tendinitis. He was a late addition to the injury report, but his absence shouldn’t impact the rotation much. Ware has played in just three of the last five games, averaging 2.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 7.3 minutes per game. His will again sit out on Monday against Boston.

Veteran wing, Josh Richardson also missed the game on Sunday because of illness. Miami is being cautious with him, and the hoopster’s will again miss his return for Monday’s game against the Celtics.

Nikola Jovic also missed Sunday’s matchup because of an ankle injury. He hasn’t played in the last three games, although it’s unclear if the injury is why. He will not return on Monday. Kevin Love is questionable due to his back spasms. But, there’s one positive news that, Keshad Johnson has rejoined the Heat from the G League as he was out due to his sprained ankle. However, there’s Josh Christopher who is out and the reason is not know. Jimmy Butler has said, “I don’t know. We’ll see how it feels when I get up in the morning,” regarding the match against Boston. So let’s put him down as questionable. That is all for the Heat’s injury report.

Both teams are coming off defeats on Sunday, so expect this one to be a fiery battle. It’s sure to be a hard-fought game. But the Celtics have owned the Heat recently, snagging 8 wins in their last 10 matchups. Remember their last showdown at TD Garden? Boston completely ran the show, blowing Miami out 118-84. Oh, and it doesn’t stop there—they’re riding a three-game win streak against them. It’s almost like watching a sequel where the Heat just can’t rewrite the script.