Wow, that’s some fascinating info. The eighth-seeded Miami Heat won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on the road against the second-seeded Boston Celtics by a score of 123-116 on Wednesday. The Celtics now faces a must win in game 2 Friday night at the TD Garden in Boston. It all gets started at 8:30 p.m. EDT.
Injury Update for Miami Heat and Boston Celtics
Should we be surprised by the Miami Heat any longer? The 8th seeded Heat stunned the top seeded Bucks in the first round of the playoffs, but, well, Giannis was out for most of the series.
Then they beat the Knicks in the second round in six games, but everyone said, well, it’s the Knicks, they’re not that good. But, you can’t explain that after a decisive 123-116 win over a loaded Celtics squad.
They now have a 1-0 advantage over the ECFs. And they’re doing it without Tyler Herro, probably their second best player, and vital role player Victor Oladipo.
The Heat’s first-game victory was stunning, as they overcame an early deficit with an astounding 46-point third quarter that effectively carried them to victory.
Jimmy Butler, called Playoff Jimmy, had 35 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals.
“I’m able to play at such a high level because they allow me to.” They’re not limiting my options. They’re trusting me with the ball and on defense, which is what any basketball player wants. “That’s what everyone wants out of life: to be wanted, to be appreciated, and to be allowed to go out there and rock,” Butler added.
Butler led all players in scoring while also leading the team in shots made, assists, steals, and minutes played in Miami’s Game 1 victory on the road in Boston on Wednesday.
About injury, due to a nasal contusion, Omer Yurteven is questionable for Friday’s Game 2.
It’s unknown when Yurtseven sustained his injury, but his absence is unlikely to have an impact on Miami’s rotation. Despite being available, the rookie big man has only played four minutes this postseason.
Across the yard, Celtics fans recalled their previous round game one loss to the Sixers. The Celtics jumped out to an early lead and appeared to be on their way to an easy victory. The Sixers then stormed back in the second half to steal game 1 in Boston.
The same thing happened on Wednesday, when the Heat rallied back to win game 1 123-116 in Boston.
The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who had 30 points and 7 rebounds, and Jaylen Brown, who had 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Malcolm Brogdon contributed 19 points, while Smart contributed 13 points and 11 assists.
Tatum was perplexed by the Celtics’ home problems. “I don’t know why,” Tatum admitted. “You still have to play the game, you still have to make plays, whether you’re at home or away.”
Tatum led all Celtics players in scoring in Wednesday’s Game 1 loss, including a game-high total from the free throw line.
Tatum has made at least ten free throws in three of his past four games and has scored at least 30 points in six playoff games.
Malcolm Brogdon is expected to play in Game 2 against the Heat on Friday due to a right forearm issue.
Brogdon led the team’s bench players with 19 points in 37 minutes during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday. Despite having a forearm injury prior of Friday’s game, he should be ready to play in Game 2.
Meanwhile, Danilo Gallinari (knee) is out of this game.
Gallinari is yet to play this season due to offseason knee surgery. He hasn’t been ruled out for the entire postseason, but there’s little sign he’ll be back in action anytime soon.
-
Injury report Celtics:
| PLAYER | INJURY | STATUS |
| Malcolm Brogdon | Forearm | Game Time Decision |
| Danilo Gallinari | Knee | Expected to be out until at least May 21 |
-
Injury report Heat:
| PLAYER | INJURY | STATUS |
| Omer Yurtseven | Nose | Game Time Decision |
| Victor Oladipo | Knee | Out for the season |
| Tyler Herro | Hand | Expected to be out until at least Jun 2 |
