Final: Celtics 119, Heat 111 - Derrick White shuts Heat down in 4th

BOSTON CELTICS vs. MIAMI HEAT

7:30 p.m., NBCS Boston/ESPN

Line: Boston -8

INJURIES

Boston: None

Miami: Josh Richardson (foot)

FOUR THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Opening night excitement: The first few minutes of this game could get rough as the Celtics play to the crowd and maybe come out a little too hyped. I think that's what led to some early foul trouble in New York and it could be a similar issue here tonight. 

2. Progress: It’s very simple. Can the Celtics clean up a little bit from the first game of the season. When they come out and make some of the same mistakes as they have in the past, it’s easy to get transported back to last season instead of remembering this is a new year with new players. So let’s not get too worked up about what went wrong in New York. Instead, let’s just look for them to correct a few of those mistakes. 

One thing to watch for in that regard is how Kristaps Porzingis is navigating the pick-and-roll defense. I think he dropped too low on Immanuel Quickley early on and let him walk into some shots that got him comfortable. Let’s try to avoid that this time around. 

3. Jimmy Butler hyped up game: Playing in Boston + ESPN broadcast = Jimmy trying to show out and shut the Celtics fans up. Let’s see how Boston’s defense reacts. 

4. Jaylen Brown finding his shot: I think Brown is going to have the toughest time adjusting to all the new talent around him, so let’s see if he can calm down, focus, and be efficient with his offense. Also, getting down and defending will help create some more shot opportunities if he can cause some turnovers that lead to breakaways. Just don’t force the offense and it will come. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.