The Celtics were missing Marcus Smart in Game 1 of their matchup against the Heat because of a foot injury, though the guard is expected to suit up in Thursday night’s Game 2 matchup.
Derrick White will miss the contest for the birth of his child and Al Horford is unlikely to play (COVID protocols). Expect Robert Williams and Daniel Theis to handle the center minutes for Boston.
Miami Remains Favored in Game 2
Boston came into the series as the favorites, though Miami was favored in Game 1 with the franchise missing Smart and Horford.
The Heat are again favored, posted as a 2.5-point favorite (PointsBet). Perhaps oddsmakers see the game similarly to how Matt Moore The Action Network sees with the Celtics still working through all their moving parts in the rotation after a tough seven-game series during the previous round.
I like Miami. I think Horford’s absence will remain an issue. For as well as the Heat played in third quarter, they honestly didn’t play a great game overall when you consider they lost three of the four quarters.
Boston has shown resiliency and toughness on the road, but Miami’s been great at home and I think it likely takes another game for the Celtics to stabilize after a grueling seven-game series vs. the Bucks.
