ASK IRA: Are the shorthanded Heat out of their league against the Celtics?

Q: Really, the Celtics’ task is very simple; Keep Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro in check. Who else is going to beat them? Shooting nights like Wednesday come along once every 10 years. — Ray, Deerfield Beach.

A: Yes, when two of the opposition’s leading scorers are out, it does become exponentially easier for the Celtics to concentrate the defensive focus. In fact, you can make an argument that the Heat are down even more than that. Not only is Jimmy Butler out with the MCL strain in his right knee that will have him out for the series...