The Boston Celtics were without starters Marcus Smart and Al Horford and Game 1 of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals series against the Miami Heat and not surprisingly lost by 11. Will either play in Game 2 on Thursday in Miami? We may not know until Thursday evening.

Nitrobetting is more than ready for the postseason. Find a full preview of the Celtics vs. Heat game below. We present you with game details, team and player stats, the latest NBA betting odds, trends, and predictions–all of which help you lock in on the best picks.

Celtics vs. Heat Game 2 Information

• When: Thursday, May 17, 2022, 8:30 PM ET
• Where: FTX Arena, Miami, FL
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (Celtics) / 790 AM The Ticket (Heat)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: Celtics (+4) / Heat (-4)

READ MORE: Mavericks vs. Warriors Game 2 NBA Playoffs Odds and Preview – May 20th, 2022

Why Bet on the Boston Celtics?

BA bettors were not surprised that Celtics guard Marcus Smart missed Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals because he had been listed as questionable after spraining his foot in Game 7 of the second round against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. However, when fellow starter Al Horford was ruled out a little more than two hours before Game 1 in the NBA’s COVID health and safety protocols, that caught everyone by surprise and jumped the Heat to -4.5. They won 118-107.

It’s too early to know if either will play Thursday, but we think Smart, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, will do so. Horford more than likely will remain out as for a player to return to game action after testing positive, there are two paths: Return two consecutive negative PCR tests at least 24 hours apart; return two consecutive PCR tests sampled at least 24 hours apart with cycle threshold (CT) values greater than 30 beginning no sooner than Day 4 and 5 after initially testing positive. It marks the third time Horford has been placed in the league’s health and safety protocols. He tested positive for COVID-19 during the preseason, and then was placed in the protocols again in December. Horford averaged 13.0 points and a team-best 10.4 rebounds in the Celtics’ seven-game win over Milwaukee.

One major concern is that Horford participated in the morning shootaround Tuesday, so there’s the possibility of spread among his teammates. Smart, visibly limping as he arrived at the arena Tuesday night, did not respond well to therapy on his sore right foot following the shootaround. Derrick White started for Smart and had just three points. Grant Williams did for Horford and had seven.

Center Robert Williams returned from a four-game absence due to a left knee injury and hit 6-of-8 shots and 6-of-7 free throws for 18 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes. He sat out the last portion of the game due to a left leg issue. It appeared to be a cramp. Jayson Tatum had a solid game with 29 points, eight rebounds and six steals. Tatum and the Celtics held a 62-54 halftime lead and looked to be in control of the game, but the Heat then went on a 22-2 run to start the third quarter and finished it with a 39-14 win to put the game away. Tatum had a whopping six third-quarter turnovers.

Why Bet on the Miami Heat?

Jimmy Butler was the best player on the floor in Game 1, hitting 12-of-19 shots and 17-of-18 free throws for a game-high 41 points, nine rebounds, five assists, four steals, three blocks and just two turnovers. It was Butler’s third 40-point game of these playoffs.

“I mean, I think I speak for my teammates and the Miami Heat organization whenever I say I know what I’m capable of,” Butler said. “I don’t do this to score 40 points. I play the way that I play to win, by all means necessary, and it just so happened that I scored 40. But if I score 40 and lose, I’m going to be really pissed off.”

Kyle Lowry missed another game injured for Miami and isn’t likely for Game 2. Gabe Vincent again started in his place and had a playoff career-high 17 points, two rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Tyler Herro finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists off the bench. The Heat found their way to the foul line continuously, making a postseason-high 30 free throws.

Celtics vs. Heat Betting Trends

• Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.
• Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
• The total went over in 4 of Boston’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami.
• Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a home favorite.
• Heat are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.
• The total went under in 9 of Miami’s last 12 games.

Celtics vs. Heat Expert Betting Prediction

Heat moneyline.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more NBA game previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Basketball betting odds on the sportsbook.

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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.

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