Don’t let the Celtics’ 119-111 win over the Miami Heat Friday fool you into thinking the Heat won’t be considered a legitimate threat come May.

As long as Jimmy Butler and Erik Spoelstra is there, the Heat have a shot.

Yes, the Heat lost Max Strus and Gabe Vincent, two guards that made huge contributions to their NBA Finals run. Now Miami has to rely on Tyler Herro to finally make that next leap into all-star play, and Kyle Lowry to turn back the clock here and there. The Heat are an older team and Bam Adebayo is the only big man that’s above average. However, does it really make sense to count Miami out?

I don’t think so.

The Celtics problem last year was never their talent–Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are stars who have finals experience. Instead, it was the maturity and mental toughness that the C’s lacked compared to Miami. The same held true last year and the bubble, both times the Heat took their hearts away in game 1.

With Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday on the team, mixed with Sam Cassell on the coaching staff, Brad Stevens made adjustments for their toughness. Having Al Horford and Holiday gives the C’s two veterans in the back and front court. Holiday has championship experience and they’ll look to use that in the playoffs.

With all that said, the Miami Heat will most likely struggle during the regular season. The Heat will probably have to win a play-in game too. Though in no way should the Heat be counted out if they find their way in the playoffs.