The Boston Celtics will meet the Miami Heat for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday at the FTX Arena. It's time to continue our NBA odds coverage with a Celtics-Heat Game 2 prediction and pick.

 

The Heat defeated the Celtics 118-107 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Boston dominated the first half and seemed to be on their way to victory as they led 62-54 at the half. Then, the Heat began their comeback and took advantage of a weary Celtics team missing two players. Al Horford did not suit up due to Covid-19 protocols, and Marcus Smart was still recovering from a foot injury. Their absence hurt as the Heat went on a 39-14 third-quarter run to upend the Celtics. Thus, the Heat led by 17 heading into the fourth.

Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 41 points. He connected on 12 of 19 shots and converted 17 of 18 free throws. Additionally, he pulled down nine rebounds and had five assists. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points. He shot 10 of 21 from the field but connected on just 2 of 9 shots from beyond the arc. Also, he added six assists to the tally. Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points for the Celtics while shooting 7 of 17. The one significant factor to note was the minutes both played. Tatum played 44 minutes while Brown went 42 minutes as the Celtics rolled out eight players. Now, the Celtics hope to get Smart back for Game 2 and give their megastars some extra rest.

Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Celtics-Heat NBA Playoffs odds:

NBA Playoffs Odds: Celtics-Heat Odds

Boston Celtics: +3.5 (-110)

Miami Heat: -3.5 (-110)

Over: 206.5 (-110)

Under: 206.5 (-110)

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Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread

Smart is back. Well, he is probable to return. It is an important return because he was their defensive player of the year. Smart is to defense what Horford and Robert Williams are to rebounding. Each player on the Celtics plays a significant part in why they were so good in 2022. Alternatively, when one player is missing, it throws the balance off a little. Horford remains out until at least Game 3, so the rest of the squad will have to pick up the slack.

Getting Smart back gives them a chance to contain Butler, who went off in Game 1. He will put more of a clamp onto Butler and force the Heat to go in another direction. Boston took two of three in the regular-season series, partially due to a great defensive strategy. Now, they look to unleash it again and steal one in the Heat's building.

The Celtics have to convert more field goals and free throws. It is not as easy against a team like the Heat, who will make them earn every single point. The Heat is a very workmanlike team and will fight tooth and nail for every shot and rebound. Tatum and Brown need to perform significantly better in Game 2, and Williams has to help Boston win the battle of the boards. Additionally, the Celtics have to limit turnovers.

The Celtics will cover the spread if they improve their shooting, win the battle of the boards, and retain possession.

Why The Heat Could Cover The Spread

Miami still has most of their pieces, which makes them dangerous. Kyle Lowry is the main component missing, and he will miss Game 2. Additionally, the Heat have yet to lose a home game in the playoffs. Butler performed well but has played so maddingly inconsistent that he has driven Heat fans up the walls. Now, he will look to lead the charge again to help his Heat take a commanding 2-0 series lead back to Boston.

The Heat could improve their 3-point shooting. Miami shot just 33 percent from beyond the arc in Game 2 and will need to up the ante to keep up with the Celtics. Additionally, Miami cannot fall too far behind early again. They must find a way to keep pace with the Celtics and gain a steady command of the game. Bam Adebayo must come out and showcase his talent. He scored 21 points in the Game 5 win over the Philadelphia 76ers and is capable of leading the Heat in buckets. Also, Miami needs more bench production from Victor Oladipo to take the pressure off Tyler Herro. The former all-star has been an inconsistent shell of his former self, scoring over 10 points four times in nine playoff games. Oladipo could stand to contribute and help relieve the pressure on the starters.

The Heat will cover the spread if Butler performs anywhere close to his Game 1 level. Additionally, Miami must improve its long-range shooting and get some contributions from Adebayo and Oladipo.

Final Celtics-Heat Game 2 Prediction & Pick

Smart will provide the spark. However, the Heat are 7-0 in their building during these playoffs. Can the Celtics disrupt that mark and hand the Heat their first home loss? It is possible. Alternatively, there is a nagging sense that the game will go down to the wire. The Heat may pull it off, but the game will not be as lopsided as Game 1 was. Expect the Celtics to cover the spread, possibly winning it. However, do not be surprised if Miami somehow gets the last-minute win.

Final Celtics-Heat Game 2 Prediction & Pick: Celtics: +3.5 (-110)