Celtics’ Bizarre Schedule Splits Don’t Bode Well For Next Game Vs. Heat
Boston's struggled with extra rest this season
The Boston Celtics have had a weird schedule lately, rarely playing due to the NBA Cup. The Celtics have played just two games since Dec. 7, losing both.
Extra time off usually helps a team, but in this case, it may be harming Boston. The Celtics have looked rusty on offense and appear to have lost their mojo after an impressive 10-2 stretch.
After a three-day break, Boston suffered its worst shooting performance of the season and lost to the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks on the road. Following another three-day respite, the Celtics suffered their first home loss since Nov. 21 against the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
Boston has scored just 206 points over its last two games combined — its second-lowest two-game point total all season.
The Celtics are in the middle of another three-game break, as they don’t play again until Friday, when they host the Miami Heat. That’s concerning given that Boston is 2-5 on at least two days’ rest this season, including 1-3 after three days off.
By comparison, the Celtics have flourished on short rest, going 13-6 on less than two days’ rest, including 4-1 on the second half of a back-to-back.
Fortunately for Boston, the Heat are in a major slump. They’ve lost five in a row and six of their last seven, plus they’ll be on the second half of a back-to-back.
Both teams will try to get back on track at TD Garden on Friday night. Luckily for the Celtics, they have another game the very next day.
