You could sell me on Boston being up 3-0 in this series. My opinion on this series is: Celtics are more talented but the Heat are tougher. The best player in this game is Jayson Tatum, he’s the difference in a “must win” spot.

The Heat played their worst game of the series in Game 3, if not the playoffs, and I expect them to be better here. The problem is, I don't think they can get back to the level they were in the first two games, and I think Gordon Hayward is a game-changer for the Celtics in this series. As was having Marcus Smart guard the primary ballhandler on every possession. The Celtics have figured this series out.

Boston negated the Heat’s defense in Game 3 with better ball movement that was sparked by the return and versatility of Gordon Hayward. With the teams coming off a mini layoff expect the Heat to regroup from a poor shooting performance and maintain high energy. Grab the Heat plus the points.

These teams have had plenty of time off since Game 3 of this series was played Saturday. That turned out to be a decisive win for the Celtics, but it was also close to a worst-case scenario on the offensive end for the Heat. They shot only 38.8 percent from the field, including 27.3 percent on three-pointers. I don’t expect Goran Dragic and Jae Crowder to shoot a combined 4-for-20 again, which should enable the Heat to keep this game close, if not win outright.

Is Gordon Hayward going to be the series-changing player in the Eastern Conference Finals? Hayward returned from a long injury absence in Game 3 and filled the stat sheet like he used to do when he was an All-Star for the Jazz. The Celtics looked like a different team with him in beating Miami 117-106 on Saturday. The extra few days off ahead of Game 4 should also help Boston after a grueling seven-game series vs. Toronto as well as Hayward with a few more practices under his belt.

Gordon Hayward's return had a ripple effect on Boston's lineup, and coach Brad Stevens also made a key defensive adjustment that frustrated Miami. Look for Boston to keep playing with desperation and even this series.