The Miami Heat have advanced to the Conference Finals for the first time since the 2019-20 season. This is the sixth time in the past 12 seasons that Miami has made it to the Conference Finals, and they'll be looking to spurn the Boston Celtics to reach the NBA Finals once again. While their regular-season success has been impressive, the Celtics are sure to pose a difficult challenge. The Heat had the top regular-season record in the Eastern Conference and secured the No. 1 seed as a result. The home-court advantage could certainly come into play if this series goes as deep as expected.

The Celtics surely will not roll over and Miami must bring their best effort if they hope to get back to the NBA Finals. Boston’s defensive ability and deep roster are a challenge for any team and the Heat are no exception. With the series set to return on Tuesday, here are three bold predictions for the Heat-Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

3 bold Heat predictions for the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals

3. Jimmy Butler scores 30+ points in 3+ games. 

Playoff Jimmy Butler has returned. The Heat superstar possesses a will to win like no other player in the NBA and this is once again being put on full display. His artful way to navigate to his spots on the floor and provide the offense the team needs is incredible to watch. After averaging 21.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists during the regular season, he has averages jumped through the roof.

Through the 10 games he has played in the postseason this year, Butler is averaging 28.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His three-point percentage has increased from 23.3% in the regular season to 36.4% in the postseason on over double the attempts per game. He also is leading the NBA with 2.1 steals per game.

The defensive ability of the Celtics is impressive, but it should never be advised to bet against the will of Jimmy Butler. Expect him to provide a spark on both ends of the court and help give the Heat their best chance of winning.

2. Victor Oladipo averages 30+ minutes per game

It has been a difficult past few seasons for Victor Oladipo. Injuries have derailed a once extremely promising career and he has not played more than 40 games in a season since 2017-18. Oladipo still has some gas in the tank and averaged 25.6 minutes per game so far these playoffs. His 23-point performance in Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks was a statement game and proved why he still holds value.

Given the defensive deficiencies of several members of the Heat roster, Oldipo may need to be relied on more heavily in this series. While Oladipo is no defensive glove, he is a better option than guys like Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro on this side of the ball. The Celtics are loaded with two-way role players and the Heat must find a way to match this. Look for Oladipo to be the beneficiary of this matchup difference and get some extended run for Miami.

1. Kyle Lowry returns mid-series and makes a big impact

It has been a difficult postseason for Kyle Lowry. He has played in just five of the 11 playoff matchups due to a hamstring injury. In the two games that he returned for the matchup with the Sixers, it was clear he was not healthy. With over a week since the last time he has stepped on the court, the hope is Lowry will be healthy enough to contribute.

As of now, Lowry is considered doubtful for Game 1, but with some additional rest, he should be able to get back to action at some point against the Celtics. When he returns, we're expecting him to produce at a high level and look to make up for the lost time. The hard-nosed veteran will provide a necessary passing ability and toughness for this Heat team when he makes his return. While Butler can run the offense in his absence, having Lowry's tenacity on both ends of the floor is a major boost, especially if he's able to take a signature charge or two to shift momentum.