Eastern Conference Finals (Heat vs Celtics)

[Questat]

Latest update.

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/celtics-injury-updates-marcus-smart-probable-game-2-al-horford-doubtful

Marcus smart is probably.
Al Horford Doubtful.

Well, Horford is not ruled out yet, so let's hope that he will play in game 2 as that's a very important game for the Celtics.

[1714591765]

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[Distinctin]

Latest update.

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/celtics-injury-updates-marcus-smart-probable-game-2-al-horford-doubtful

Marcus smart is probably.
Al Horford Doubtful.

Well, Horford is not ruled out yet, so let's hope that he will play in game 2 as that's a very important game for the Celtics.

Thanks for the update, at least Marcus Smart is probably, he is a big help for the Celtics.

Both teams are undermanned actually.
For heat, Lowry is out in game 2, so if Horford is out in game 2, that's a fair match up, no excuses for both parties.
Let's see if Celtics will bounce back like they usually do.

[Botnake]

Let's see if Celtics will bounce back like they usually do.

They are just +3.5 in game 2, I don't know if the public will bet on the Heat considering the spread is lower compared to game 1.
I like to see the Celtics to start strong, but at the same time to be able to hold their lead in the 2nd half as that was their problem in the first game.

Also, I expect a major adjustment in game 2, and now that Smart is likely to play, I hope that would help them to be better.

[Sanitough]

Also, I expect a major adjustment in game 2, and now that Smart is likely to play, I hope that would help them to be better.

If you think about that, then maybe bet on the Celtics to win in game 2.
Bettors might take Miami Heat because the spread is only -3.5, that's too attractive considering after a big win in game 1.

People still thought that Butler will again make a great performance, so obviously, Heat is going to be the play of the public.
I'm also planning to put a bet live, if Heat starts strong then I might take Celtics for an odds of 3.00 (at least).

[harizen]

The Boston Celtics bounces back as I expected in a 125-102 win on road. After losing in a big lead on Game 1, they return the favor by beating the Miami Heat in a big lead too. I really don't expect a 2-0 lead here as I know the Celtics will be different after a loss. Now that they even the series, that will serve as a reference for the Miami Heat on what things needs to do next game.

Again, when the Miami Heat loses, it's only Jimmy Butler who is consistent. The most consistent player for me in this playoff who always acquires good numbers. They are like that since the start of the playoffs.

[LogitechMouse]

The Boston Celtics bounces back as I expected in a 125-102 win on road. After losing in a big lead on Game 1, they return the favor by beating the Miami Heat in a big lead too. I really don't expect a 2-0 lead here as I know the Celtics will be different after a loss. Now that they even the series, that will serve as a reference for the Miami Heat on what things needs to do next game.

Again, when the Miami Heat loses, it's only Jimmy Butler who is consistent. The most consistent player for me in this playoff who always acquires good numbers. They are like that since the start of the playoffs.

Looks like the Heat need these 2 things.
1. A second or third player that can help Butler offensively.
2. Kyle Lowry

I don't know if Kyle Lowry will play this post-season, so if somebody knows it, then they can share it here. Overall, the Heat's performance isn't that bad in Game 2, but the Celtics had a better offense than them thus, they lost. The three point shooting of Celtics is one of the reason why they won. In Game 1, they only shot 11/34, but in Game 2 they shot 20/40. Another one is the return of Smart and Horford, and we know how impactful they are defensively.

I'll go with Celtics in 7 here. I believe that they are a team that is good defensively, and at the same time, good offensively as well.

[agustina2]

Looks like the Heat need these 2 things.
1. A second or third player that can help Butler offensively.
2. Kyle Lowry

I have to agree that Jimmy Butler is the only player in the Miami Heat that play good even when losing. There's no help from his teammates once they are downed like giving up the game early. If Miami Heat doesn't have Jimmy Butler, they might exit early in the playoffs.

I also noticed in the whole playoffs series of Miami Heat that when they are winning, it's only Jimmy Butler as the reason and no one else. What happened to those young Miami Heat that feels pumped during the NBA Bubble Finals.

I think Kyle Lowry is out for the rest of this playoffs. I agree he will be a good help because of his experience. But even if he comes back, he might be having a slow adjustment because of his long rest.

[Questat]

Latest update.

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/celtics-injury-updates-marcus-smart-probable-game-2-al-horford-doubtful

Marcus smart is probably.
Al Horford Doubtful.

Well, Horford is not ruled out yet, so let's hope that he will play in game 2 as that's a very important game for the Celtics.

Thanks for the update, at least Marcus Smart is probably, he is a big help for the Celtics.

Both teams are undermanned actually.
For heat, Lowry is out in game 2, so if Horford is out in game 2, that's a fair match up, no excuses for both parties.
Let's see if Celtics will bounce back like they usually do.

Turns out both players were available in that game, and they also contributed well the game.
It was a blowout win by the Celtics, a big bounce back, so now they have already tied the series and I'm looking forward to another great game in game 3.

[Yaunfitda]

Yeah, I will continue to ride on Celtics bandwagon here, Lol.

What an impressive show of outside shooting and their best defensive player taking on the best offensive player. So now they are back to even, and have a good chance to take the lead next game as it will be played on Boston Garden. The next 2 games will be critical as they will have a chance to be up 3-1 in they win both at home.

[Johnyz]

Yeah, I will continue to ride on Celtics bandwagon here, Lol.

What an impressive show of outside shooting and their best defensive player taking on the best offensive player. So now they are back to even, and have a good chance to take the lead next game as it will be played on Boston Garden. The next 2 games will be critical as they will have a chance to be up 3-1 in they win both at home.

Since the game 1 when they dominate the first half, I started to think the same thing and it looks like Celtics are in a good position here. This can be more crucial for Miami and better not to let Celtics win on their home court because for sure, that's a not safe lead and we know that Celtics are really capable to win against them. Good to see some players back for Celtics, most probably in Game 3 they will maximize it and let those players contribute. I go for Celtics in game 3, this can be a good bet for me.

[Kelvinid]

Yeah, I will continue to ride on Celtics bandwagon here, Lol.

What an impressive show of outside shooting and their best defensive player taking on the best offensive player. So now they are back to even, and have a good chance to take the lead next game as it will be played on Boston Garden. The next 2 games will be critical as they will have a chance to be up 3-1 in they win both at home.

Since the game 1 when they dominate the first half, I started to think the same thing and it looks like Celtics are in a good position here. This can be more crucial for Miami and better not to let Celtics win on their home court because for sure, that's a not safe lead and we know that Celtics are really capable to win against them. Good to see some players back for Celtics, most probably in Game 3 they will maximize it and let those players contribute. I go for Celtics in game 3, this can be a good bet for me.

This is very similar to the Warriors vs Grizzlies series where the road team steals one game on the road to even the series. And that series ends in 6, so most likely if Celtics will win 2 home games they'll advance in the NBA Finals. Butler is always good, unfortunately Celtics played better as a team.

[Maslate]

Yeah, I will continue to ride on Celtics bandwagon here, Lol.

What an impressive show of outside shooting and their best defensive player taking on the best offensive player. So now they are back to even, and have a good chance to take the lead next game as it will be played on Boston Garden. The next 2 games will be critical as they will have a chance to be up 3-1 in they win both at home.

Since the game 1 when they dominate the first half, I started to think the same thing and it looks like Celtics are in a good position here. This can be more crucial for Miami and better not to let Celtics win on their home court because for sure, that's a not safe lead and we know that Celtics are really capable to win against them. Good to see some players back for Celtics, most probably in Game 3 they will maximize it and let those players contribute. I go for Celtics in game 3, this can be a good bet for me.

This is very similar to the Warriors vs Grizzlies series where the road team steals one game on the road to even the series. And that series ends in 6, so most likely if Celtics will win 2 home games they'll advance in the NBA Finals. Butler is always good, unfortunately Celtics played better as a team.

Maybe, but the Warriors in that series are having a tough time beating the Memphis, it was not easy compared to their first round journey. Here, this is an ECF, for sure there are plenty of surprises here and now we may think that Celtics would easily win the series but it's not as simple or as easy as that. Human nature, we easy got hype on the latest result, just like when Heat dominated the Celtics in game 1.

[dothebeats]

Yeah, I will continue to ride on Celtics bandwagon here, Lol.

What an impressive show of outside shooting and their best defensive player taking on the best offensive player. So now they are back to even, and have a good chance to take the lead next game as it will be played on Boston Garden. The next 2 games will be critical as they will have a chance to be up 3-1 in they win both at home.

Since the game 1 when they dominate the first half, I started to think the same thing and it looks like Celtics are in a good position here. This can be more crucial for Miami and better not to let Celtics win on their home court because for sure, that's a not safe lead and we know that Celtics are really capable to win against them. Good to see some players back for Celtics, most probably in Game 3 they will maximize it and let those players contribute. I go for Celtics in game 3, this can be a good bet for me.

This is very similar to the Warriors vs Grizzlies series where the road team steals one game on the road to even the series. And that series ends in 6, so most likely if Celtics will win 2 home games they'll advance in the NBA Finals. Butler is always good, unfortunately Celtics played better as a team.

This. Butler has always been a great player on his games with Heat, but his teammates need to step up their game if they want to triumph against Celtics and move forward to the Finals. Lowry is very inconsistent, although when he's enabled, he's really a beast in the paint. If they can do some great plays consistently, there is no doubt that they can go through the defense of Celtics. Oladipo and Herro are promising enablers for the team with their plays, but most of the time they hesitate, ending with them not doing much for the team.

[Distinctin]

Let's see if Celtics will bounce back like they usually do.

They are just +3.5 in game 2, I don't know if the public will bet on the Heat considering the spread is lower compared to game 1.
I like to see the Celtics to start strong, but at the same time to be able to hold their lead in the 2nd half as that was their problem in the first game.

Also, I expect a major adjustment in game 2, and now that Smart is likely to play, I hope that would help them to be better.

Well, as I said the Boston Celtics will always bounce back because that's what they do and they exactly did it earlier, the gap was 25 points and the Miami Heat almost didn't own even a single quarter because it was too clear that they've been dominated by the Celtics on the 1st half. Well, I hope you did bet on the Celtics side.

[goinmerry]

And that series ends in 6, so most likely if Celtics will win 2 home games they'll advance in the NBA Finals. Butler is always good, unfortunately Celtics played better as a team.

That's the worst-case scenario for the Miami Heat. They need to force a win on either Game 3 or 4 playing at the Celtics arena for them not to be pressured once they return to their home crowd. Being down by 3-1 is a big problem and can't imagine the Boston Celtics will lose 3 times in a row.

But before we speculate that to happen, let's see if there are big adjustments too that Heat will do. If the Celtics are able to regain confidence after a big Game 1 loss, the Heat should also do the same after a big Game 2 loss playing as an Away team.

[Reid]

Looks like the Heat need these 2 things.
1. A second or third player that can help Butler offensively.
2. Kyle Lowry

I don't know if Kyle Lowry will play this post-season, so if somebody knows it, then they can share it here. Overall, the Heat's performance isn't that bad in Game 2, but the Celtics had a better offense than them thus, they lost. The three point shooting of Celtics is one of the reason why they won. In Game 1, they only shot 11/34, but in Game 2 they shot 20/40. Another one is the return of Smart and Horford, and we know how impactful they are defensively.

I'll go with Celtics in 7 here. I believe that they are a team that is good defensively, and at the same time, good offensively as well.

Indeed they need Lowry because they won't let Tyler Herro do the playmaking. Why? He is young and doesn't have enough playoff experience unlike Lowry with a championship ring. Butler is not that type and we saw how bad he is when he tries to pass the ball. Gabe Vincent is also not their choice.
If Lowry won't play though there might be another solution. Do isolation plays but it needs to be perfect. Herro and Butler are good at it but their problem will be double-team if the Celtics caught what they are trying to do.
The other strategy I could think of is go small ball. They cannot maximize the strength of Adebayo because there is no one to pass it in so better take him out.

[Rufsilf]

Yeah, I will continue to ride on Celtics bandwagon here, Lol.

What an impressive show of outside shooting and their best defensive player taking on the best offensive player. So now they are back to even, and have a good chance to take the lead next game as it will be played on Boston Garden. The next 2 games will be critical as they will have a chance to be up 3-1 in they win both at home.

Since the game 1 when they dominate the first half, I started to think the same thing and it looks like Celtics are in a good position here. This can be more crucial for Miami and better not to let Celtics win on their home court because for sure, that's a not safe lead and we know that Celtics are really capable to win against them. Good to see some players back for Celtics, most probably in Game 3 they will maximize it and let those players contribute. I go for Celtics in game 3, this can be a good bet for me.

This is very similar to the Warriors vs Grizzlies series where the road team steals one game on the road to even the series. And that series ends in 6, so most likely if Celtics will win 2 home games they'll advance in the NBA Finals. Butler is always good, unfortunately Celtics played better as a team.

Yes it's a bit similar but the intensity here in Conference Final is really different compared to that certain match-up in Round 2 where Warriors and Grizzlies have faced each other in a tight series.

It's too early to tell that the Celtics will be the one to advance in the NBA Finals but their chances are quite good because the way I see it, they are more tougher than the Miami Heat. Nevertheless, they need to limit Butler more.

[judas]

I expected to see Heat winning the second game as well but Celtics didn't let it happen. It looks like they had their lesson from the first game and prepared much better for this one. Because their performance was really extraordinary this time. They simply destroyed Heat by a result like 127-102. And the most important thing that helped them win this comfortably was that each one of the Tatum-Brown-Smart trio scored 24 points or higher. G. Williams also made a significant contribution by 19 points. Heat couldn't answer them in the same way and the series is 1-1 now.

[Kasabus]

I expected to see Heat winning the second game as well but Celtics didn't let it happen. It looks like they had their lesson from the first game and prepared much better for this one. Because their performance was really extraordinary this time. They simply destroyed Heat by a result like 127-102. And the most important thing that helped them win this comfortably was that each one of the Tatum-Brown-Smart trio scored 24 points or higher. G. Williams also made a significant contribution by 19 points. Heat couldn't answer them in the same way and the series is 1-1 now.

They actually had a good 1st half-game in the first game but the Heat respond in the 3rd quarter by dominating the Celtics. In the 2nd game, Celtics made sure that Heat would not do it to them again as they are successful in controlling the game, especially in the 3rd quarter.

After the series is tied, Heat looks like they don't stand a chance of beating the Celtics anymore.
Anyway, Celtics still needs to win 3 games to advance, so it's still too early to conclude.

[Baofeng]

I expected to see Heat winning the second game as well but Celtics didn't let it happen. It looks like they had their lesson from the first game and prepared much better for this one. Because their performance was really extraordinary this time. They simply destroyed Heat by a result like 127-102. And the most important thing that helped them win this comfortably was that each one of the Tatum-Brown-Smart trio scored 24 points or higher. G. Williams also made a significant contribution by 19 points. Heat couldn't answer them in the same way and the series is 1-1 now.

They actually had a good 1st half-game in the first game but the Heat respond in the 3rd quarter by dominating the Celtics. In the 2nd game, Celtics made sure that Heat would not do it to them again as they are successful in controlling the game, especially in the 3rd quarter.

After the series is tied, Heat looks like they don't stand a chance of beating the Celtics anymore.
Anyway, Celtics still needs to win 3 games to advance, so it's still too early to conclude.

That has been the trend in the first 2 games, Heat starting very slow in the first two quarter. They were able to overcome and win the first game, but the second one? it is not the same as the Celtics made sure there will no huge 3rd quarter comeback from the Heat. And it boils down how the Celtics put a defensive pressure on Butler and the rest of the Heat, no easy look, no easy basket. While on the other hand, they score whatever, whenever they want, inside, outside, doesn't matter.