Boston came out strong in Game 1, taking an eight-point lead to the half. But the Miami, powered by the home edge, stole the third-quarter 39-14, and that was the ball game. As well as the Celtics played they should have been up at least 16 points at the half, but the Heat paced themselves well and didn’t get rattled. I like Miami to win and cover again.

I was going to wait here on official word on Al Horford, but it sounds as if he's not playing again due to COVID. Marcus Smart should be back for Boston but now comes word that guard Derrick White is out for personal reasons. That clearly weakens the Boston bench (White started for Smart in Game 1). So, back to the Heat at home -- where they haven't lost since late March.

The Celtics entered the half of Game 1 with a lead despite Marcus Smart and Al Horford being out. They were abnormally hot from the field, so when regression hit in the second half, the Heat pulled away with a win. It sounds like Smart has a good chance to return for Game 2, which would provide Boston with a huge boost. However, the Heat have yet to lose at home during the playoffs, and Jimmy Butler is a man on a mission. Look for the Heat to win another game before the series shifts to Boston.