NBA Playoff Bracket 2022: Heat Vs. Celtics Schedule, Odds, Picks And Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 Prediction

SportsMoney NBA Playoff Bracket 2022: Heat Vs. Celtics Schedule, Odds, Picks And Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 Prediction Alex Kay Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. May 19, 2022, 11:05am EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 17: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on ahead of Jayson Tatum #0 of the … [+] Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in Game One of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 17, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Getty Images The Miami Heat struck the first blow in the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Boston Celtics by a 118-107 margin in Game 1. The C’s will get another chance to steal homecourt advantage away from the Heat when Game 2 tips off this evening. See how you can watch this thrilling basketball matchup as well as an updated 2022 NBA Playoff bracket below: Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Game 2 Schedule Date: Thursday, May 19 Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET Location: FTX Arena, Miami, FL TV Channel: ESPN Live Stream: WatchESPN , ESPN App MORE FOR YOU WWE Extreme Rules 2021 Results: Winners, News And Notes As Roman Reigns Beats The Demon The World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players 2021: Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo Reclaims Top Spot From PSG’s Lionel Messi The Good, Bad And Ugly From The Green Bay Packers’ Win Over The San Francisco 49ers 2022 NBA Playoff Bracket NBA Playoffs Bracket NBA.com Miami earned the top seed on the East side of the 2022 NBA Playoff bracket following an impressive 53-29 campaign. The club has since breezed to series wins over the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers to reach the NBA’s version of the Final Four. The Celtics finished a shade behind the Heat in the NBA standings during the regular season, posting a respectable 51-31 record and claimed the No. 2 seed in a three-way tiebreaker. They drew a tough opening round matchup with the Brooklyn Nets in the first round but swept their Atlantic Division rivals before being tested across seven games by the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks in the conference semifinals. Boston is now facing an uphill battle to even things up after opening as an underdog again for Game 2. You can find the latest 2022 NBA Playoffs odds courtesy of FanDuel below: Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 Odds Spread : Heat -3.5 Total : Over-Under 207 Points Moneyline : MIA -165, BOS +140 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 31: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dunks during the third … [+] quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on January 31, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) Getty Images Heat vs. Celtics Game 2 Preview And Prediction Miami had little issues covering the five-point spread in the Eastern Conference Finals opener after erasing a 62-54 halftime deficit, going off for 39 points while holding its foe to just 14 points in the third quarter. Jimmy Butler was in superstar form on Tuesday night, putting up a game-high 41 points—his third 40-plus point showing of the 2022 NBA Playoffs—while going 17-of-18 from the charity stripe and adding nine boards, five assists, four steals and three blocks. He outdueled Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who led Boston with 29 points but hit just two of his nine attempts from beyond the arc. The Heat’s excellent three-point defense held the Celtics to just 11 makes on 34 attempts from deep. These teams tied for the most efficient perimeter defense this year—each allowing their opponents to only connect on 33.8 percent of their three-pointers in the regular season—and whichever side can better lock down the three in this series will have a leg up in advancing to the 2022 NBA Finals. Despite a rough Game 1 showing, expect Boston to bounce back in a big way this evening. LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 15: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the … [+] first quarter against the Miami Heat in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 15, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) Getty Images The squad has recovered well from defeat in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. The C’s outright won and covered the spread following each of their three losses against the Bucks. Most importantly, Boston could get two key pieces back in the lineup. Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is probable to return from a foot sprain after missing the opener, while lynchpin center Al Horford is doubtful while remaining in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. If Smart is active, the Celtics will field a much more complete lineup for this contest. Given Boston outscored Miami by a 93-79 margin without considering the third quarter, the visitors should be dialed in and ready to compete across all 48 minutes with their defensive anchor back in the fold. Take the points in case this clash comes down to the wire, but the C’s are the smart play against the spread in Game 2. Pick: Celtics +3.5 Prediction: Celtics 103 – Heat 100 Alex Kay Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions