The Boston Celtics didn't have Marcus Smart for Game 1 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals because of a mid-foot sprain. The Celtics certainly missed Smart's presence, with Jimmy Butler and the Heat dominating the second half in a 118-107 Miami victory. Boston could really use the guard back because of his importance on both ends of the court, so everybody wants to know: Is Marcus Smart playing tonight vs. the Heat in Game 2?

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Is Celtics' Marcus Smart playing in Game 2 vs. Heat

Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported Wednesday that Smart was hopeful to play. Sure enough, the Celtics soon listed the guard as probable. Assuming there are no setbacks, the Defensive Player of the Year will suit up and try to help Boston tie up this series.

It looked like the Celtics were going to cruise to a Game 1 win even without Smart and Al Horford (COVID-19). Jayson Tatum went off in the first half as Boston went up by as many as 13 points.

However, the Heat stayed within reach and trailed by just eight points at halftime before going on a 22-2 run to start the third quarter. Miami ultimately led by as many as 20 points early in the fourth quarter. The Celtics sort of threatened late, but Butler shut the door to complete his tour de force performance.

Butler put up 41 points in the game, something that will be much harder to replicate with Smart in the lineup. Butler and the Heat made sure to take advantage of Payton Pritchard's defense, hunting him at every opportunity. The absence of Derrick White will hurt, in addition to Horford likely sitting out again, but Smart changes so much. The Celtics guard is also another reliable ball handler to help organize the offense, which went off the rails during that third quarter.

So, when it comes to the question of whether or not Marcus Smart is playing tonight vs. the Heat in Game 2, it appears the answer is yes.