Who are the biggest X-Factors in the 2023 Celtics-Heat series?
After inching by the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games, the Boston Celtics have planned a date once again with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. These teams have had some great series in the past few seasons, adopting a bigger rivalry between the two. Now the Celtics and Heat are back with more star power on each team, but who are the X-Factors in this series?
Let’s take a deeper dive into why and who will be the X-Factors in this series.
Boston Celtics: Derrick White, G
One player that sticks out is Derrick White. The 6-foot-4 guard struggled last series against the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging nine points with a game-high of 15. For White, that is low. If the Celtics want any chance of blowing by the scorching-hot Miami Heat, White needs to turn on the gas as he’s done previously.
White became a huge piece in the Celtics bench offense during the regular season, as well as filling in the starting lineup when needed. During the regular season, White averaged 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 46.2 percent shooting from the field and 38.1 from deep. Not to mention, White adds a prominent role on defense for the Cs. His length and on-ball defense is crucial for the Celtics in a series with the Heat having such a dynamic offense.
Look for White to pick up his play and shine in this series.
Miami Heat: Caleb Martin, G
Similar to White, Caleb Martin comes off the bench as a key asset. Now, you might be thinking, why Martin as the X-Factors? Well, I’ll tell you why.
Caleb Martin has been a sneaky good player in the past for the Heat, including in the playoffs this year, which included a 22-point outburst in Game 1 against the Knicks. Martin brings a Derrick White effect to the Heat while still maintaining a big lineup for them.
Coming into this matchup, the Heat will want to force the Celtics to play Robert Williams and Al Horford at the same time, leading the two Celtics big men to get tired quickly and be out for longer periods of time. This is where Martin comes in, allowing the Heat to run a bigger lineup, potentially moving Martin to point guard instead of shooting guard. This will create a more favorable matchup for other players on the Heat as well, including Jimmy Butler.
Now that I’m typing this, White and Martin are playing very similar roles for each team. Providing defense and space in each lineup is their key while adding on scoring for each club.
Both Derrick White and Caleb Martin will become the two X-Factors in this rivalry series, but could there be a new X-Factor?
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