With a Boston Celtics Game 2 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Playoffs, many will tune in to the highly anticipated first round series. Ahead of the Celtics-Nets game, we'll be making our Celtics Game 2 predictions.

Game 1 was as good as expected, as it came down to the last shot. Jayson Tatum made a spin move for a layup at the buzzer to give the Celtics the win.

The game went back and forth, with Kyrie Irving taking over for the Nets. Kevin Durant struggled in Game 1, scoring 23 points on 24 attempts.

The Celtics' defense, led by Defensive Player of the Year Award winner Marcus Smart, was incredible and was the catalyst to the victory. While they gave up 114 points in Game 1, they made stops when it mattered the most.

Coach Ime Udoka is also doing this without their rim protector Robert Williams III who's still recovering from injury. He averaged 2.2 blocks per game during the regular season. If the Celtics can get him back at some point in the series, it will help them reach their full potential.

Here are three bold Celtics Game 2 predictions versus the Nets in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

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Boston Celtics Game 2 Predictions

3. Al Horford dominates the glass again

Horford has been a difference-maker in his second stint with the Celtics. He finished Game 1 with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Horford's play helped the Celtics dominate the rebounding battle (43-29), which gave them extra possessions and limit the second opportunities of the Nets.

While Horford isn't the star he once was, he will be a determining factor in the series due to his rebounding ability.

2. Jayson Tatum drops 40 points

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Tatum is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA and had a great Game 1. He scored 31 points while shooting 9-of-18 from the field, 3-of-7 from three-point distance, and 10-of-12 from the free throw line. He also hit the game-winning layup, which will provide more confidence heading into Game 2.

Tatum can score at will, and the Nets' poor defense still doesn't have an answer for him. Another big game from the All-Star forward is in order after starting off the series hot.

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1. Celtics take 2-0 series lead

While the Nets have a great team led by the superstar duo of Durant and Irving, the Celtics have too much depth. Although the duo of Tatum and Jaylen Brown isn't as potent as the Nets twosome, the supplemental pieces separate the two teams.

The Celtics had four players score at least 20 points in Game 1 with Horford, Smart, Brown, and Tatum. Their defense will also be vital in coming away with another victory against a talented offensive unit like the Nets.

Superstar players bounce back after bad performances, and the Celtics need to be ready for a better game from Durant. Durant knows what it takes to win, as he won two titles and two Finals MVPs with the Golden State Warriors. Tatum's individual defense on Durant, as well as sending double teams at him, will be pivotal in forcing him into tough shots once again.

The home crowd of the Celtics had a ton of energy in Game 1, and the team can get fuel from it anew in Game 2 this Wednesday.