The Boston Celtics bounced back in a huge way in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Final series vs. the Miami Heat, winning 127-102. The turnaround coincided with the return of veterans Al Horford and Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart. Horford missed Game 1 while in health and safety protocols. Smart also missed Game 1 vs. the Heat with a mid-foot sprain suffered in Game 7 vs. the Milwaukee Bucks. Both players were integral in the team's success on both ends of the court. Smart particularly had a huge game, with 24 points, 12 assists, nine rebounds and three steals.

It was quite a difference from Game 1 when the Heat won convincingly, 118-107. Jimmy Butler dominated that game, as he outscored the Celtics by himself 17-14 in the third quarter. As a whole, Miami outscored Boston 39-14 that frame. But as it turns out, that is now the only quarter of the eight played that the Heat have scored more than the Celtics.

Boston clearly has all of the momentum as the series shifts back to Boston. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are playing well. Smart is doing what a leader does. The Celtics' role players have stepped up and unless the Heat can figure out how to change all of this, they could be starting at a 2-1 deficit.

So, let's get into it and reveal our Boston Celtics three bold predictions for Game 3 vs. the Miami Heat.

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Boston Celtics: 3 Bold Predictions for Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals vs. Miami Heat

1. Boston Continues To Produce From Deep

The Celtics have really hit their stride shooting from the outside in the post season. It's been a bit of a change as Boston ranked 14th in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage. But as the playoffs have gone deeper and deeper, the Celtics all of a sudden appear to be the most deadly team from deep.

They knocked down 20 more triples in Game 2 and it's not likely to stop back in Boston. Much of the change comes from Celtics forward Grant Williams. He was the Game 7 hero against the Bucks when he tied an NBA Game 7 record with seven three's.

But it actually goes beyond just Williams. Smart, who was once just a defensive stopper who couldn't shoot, has clearly worked on his offensive game. He gets a lot of clean looks from the outside and has been knocking them down. Even Payton Pritchard off the Celtics bench has been a shockingly helpful asset.

Pritchard has been exceptional so far this series. But in Game 2, he posted a truly rare statistic, finishing with a plus/minus of +41. That's the second highest for any bench player during the play-by-play era.

2. Grant Williams Plays More Minutes Than Robert Williams

Boston is obviously an incredibly strong defensive team. That's especially true when Robert Williams is on the court. The Celtics big man was among the core names in talks as the Defensive Player of the Year, the award his teammate, Marcus Smart won.

But in this particular series, the Celtics offense takes a big hit when he is on the floor. Yes, Robert Williams is a threat on the offensive glass, and can be utilized for layups and lobs. But he cannot space the floor. The Heat feature so many athletic wings and forwards, they are able to close on Boston shooters if the Celtics do not have proper spacing.

It was one of the key things that Celtics coach Ime Udoka talked about after Game 2's win, ESPN writer Tim Bontemps noted.

“We got to attack some matchups that we wanted to and space out Adebayo and Tucker and some of those guys. Obviously with Rob in there, he has his things that he does well but he has some limitations as well as far as spacing the court… We saw success against Milwaukee and Brooklyn doing that with Al and Grant lineups where they can space it out and we can attack multiple ways,” Udoka said.

Knowing how athletic and quick the Heat are defensively, I would expect Boston to employ this lineup more than not.

3. Heat Win 2 Quarters, Cover The Spread

A lot of people are expecting Boston to roll over the Heat in Game 3. But this Miami team has a lot of pride. That pride got smashed on Thursday night after getting drubbed at home. Jimmy Butler himself talked about letting that loss hurt and using it to motivate them.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has been one of the better coaches in the league at making adjustments for years now. I believe he will do so again, likely having Tyler Herro play more minutes than usual. Look for Bam Adebayo to bounce back offensively and make the Celtics pay for playing the small ball lineup.

The Bulls will keep this game close, winning two of the quarters. Ultimately, Boston should make enough plays down the stretch and win Game 3. But it is going to be a hairy one.