Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Boston Celtics dropped Game 1 after being unable to maintain their defensive effort through 4 quarters
• The Miami Heat took Game 1 with their aggressive offence, and a suffocating defensive plan
• The Heat lead the Celtics 1-0 in the series

Celtics vs Heat Game 2 Odds

The Celtics were able to hold off the Heat for the first half, but they felt the absence of their defensive anchors as the game wore on. After a big Game 1 from Jimmy Butler, a solid performance from Miami’s supporting cast should send them through.

Miami Heat def. Boston Celtics

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Head-to-Head: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat

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Injury Report

How can the Celtics beat the Heat?

The Boston Celtics did well for most of Game 1 against the Miami Heat. However it was their third quarter effort that turned the tables and put them down 0-1 in the series. To beat the Heat, Boston needs to be able to maintain their effort through all four quarters.

In the Celtics’ Game 1 loss, they were the stronger team through 3 of the 4 quarters. Unfortunately, their third quarter collapse was enough to send them packing. In the third, Boston shot just 13.3% from the field, missed all 7 of their three-point attempts, and turned the ball over 8 times.

The absence of Marcus Smart as a secondary ball handler really hurt the Celtics’ ability to control the game. If the Celtics want to level the series, they must control the pace of the game through all four quarters.

Celtics Key Player: (F) Grant Williams

Grant Williams opens the mark!#NBASundays are LIVE on YouTube: https://t.co/ZES1n4dq3G pic.twitter.com/YivcizYrZT

— NBA UK (@NBAUK) May 15, 2022

Boston Celtics big man Grant Williams was the star of Boston’s Game 7 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. While the Celtics stars were in full effect in Game 1 against the Heat, Williams was a non-factor.

Williams posted just 7 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound against the Miami Heat in Boston’s Game 1 loss. Not only was he quiet on the offensive end, but he struggled to contain the size and athleticism of the Miami Heat players.

The Celtics need Williams to be a factor when he takes the court. Solid defensively and a sniper from three-point range, he is fully capable of being a threat on the offensive side of the ball. If he can get his shot going early, it’ll only open things up further for other Boston role players.

How can the Heat beat the Celtics?

The Miami Heat came out the winner in Game 1 against Boston, but they didn’t look like the stronger team through the entire game. If the Heat want to take a 2-0 lead, they must get off to a stronger start on both ends of the court.

The Heat lost the first half of Game 1 to the Celtics 62 to 54. They allowed their opponents to shoot 59.1% from the field and 35.7% from three, while also getting beaten on the glass by 4. If there’s anything that kept them competitive, it was their three-point defence and ability to force turnovers.

Miami must get out to a better scoring start to open Game 2. They were fortunate to have Tyler Herro carry them through the first half, allowing Jimmy Butler to take over the second half. As a team, they need to be more efficient creating and converting on their opportunities.

Heat Key Player: (G) Tyler Herro

Again… this is why Tyler Herro was named 6th Man of the Year. #6MOTYLER pic.twitter.com/neF7lhfW0K

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 18, 2022

Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro was crucial to Miami’s success in Game 1 against the Boston Celtics. His scoring prowess kept the Heat afloat against the Celtics, until his teammates were prepared to step up their performance.

In Game 1 against the Celtics, Herro posted 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in 27 minutes of play. He was just 1 of 5 from three, but 7 of 15 from the field overall. If he can improve on his stat line, it’d be in three-point shooting and turnovers, where he committed 4.

With Boston sure to be wary of Herro’s scoring ability, he must step up his playmaking to keep the Heat competitive. Fortunately, his ability to put the ball in the basket should only help him.

How to Watch Celtics vs Heat Game 2