Boston Celtics Great Cedric Maxwell Says The Miami Heat Are A Dangerous First-Round Opponent

Last year the Miami Heat gave the Boston Celtics all they could handle in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Heat were a Jimmy Butler 3-pointer from advancing to the NBA Finals and at least one Boston Celtics great thinks another fierce series between the teams could happen this year.

Cedric Maxwell recently told NBCsports Boston the Heat would be a dangerous opponent for the No. 2 Celtics.

"Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler put a little twinge in my heart when I start thinking about how they play and what he brings to the table," Maxwell said. "There's a certain way that you see these guys play, and they up to another level when they play against the C's.

Maxwell cited Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo as reasons the Heat could be trouble. Miami is among two teams with three 20-point scorers.

"I think the Celtics definitely are the better team, and they will beat Miami probably in five," Maxwell said. "But still, there's a little, just a slight hint of fear in my heart sometimes when I think about the Miami Heat and what they can do."

Of course, the Heat have to take care of business tonight against the Atlanta Hawks before even thinking about Boston.

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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