The Boston Celtics have become the Heat of old: a team assembled for a title run.

The Celtics' offseason acquisitions of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett turned Boston into an instant contender. It is similar to the Heat's championship after Miami landed Shaquille O'Neal in a blockbuster trade in July 2003 with the Los Angeles Lakers.

''Every time we went somewhere it was sold out, everybody wanted to see the Heat,'' Dwyane Wade said. ``Everybody wanted to get a glimpse of the show. That's kind of how [the Celtics] feel. Even though you lose games you feel unbeatable. I'm sure it feels good.''

Coach Pat Riley said the Heat was ''fortunate'' the Lakers were willing to trade O'Neal, and added that it's rare that a player of his caliber becomes available.

Of the new-look Celtics, Riley said, ``They've had an incredible year so far.''

BUMPS, BRUISES

Although Heat players have been banged up recently, the Celtics aren't in much better shape.

Riley said the Heat continues to monitor Wade, who was experiencing sore shoulders and a stiff left knee recently. He practiced Monday, as did Ricky Davis (back spasms) and Daequan Cook (tonsillitis, flu). O'Neal remains sidelined with a sore left hip.

The Celtics canceled their scheduled practice in Miami on Monday. Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Sunday that Garnett would be doubtful against Miami with an abdominal strain. Former Heat forward James Posey (sprained finger) is listed as day-to-day, even though he played in Boston's loss to Orlando on Sunday.

TUESDAY: CELTICS AT HEAT

• When: 7:30 p.m.

• Where: AmericanAirlines Arena.

• TV/radio: Sun Sports; WIOD (610), WQBA (1140, Spanish).

• The series: Celtics lead 44-34.

• The game: The Celtics lead the season series 2-0. The Heat lost the first meeting 92-91 in Boston on Nov. 16 and fell 95-85 to the Celtics at home Nov. 30. . . . Boston has lost five of its past 10 games.

 

 

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