After a shorthanded Celtics team dropped Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals to the Heat, some help could be on the way for Game 2.
Defensive Player of the Year award winner Marcus Smart missed Game 1 of the series with a right mid-foot sprain, but all signs are pointing toward his potential return for Thursday's Game 2.
There was initial optimism that Smart could play in Game 1, but he was listed as out less than three hours before the series opener tipped off. With an added day of rest, Smart was able to take more steps in his recovery.
Will Smart return to the lineup in Game 2? Here's the latest news on his status.
MORE: Why is Duncan Robinson not playing for Heat in NBA Playoffs?
Is Marcus Smart playing tonight vs. Heat?
On the off day between games, the Celtics listed Smart as probable on their Game 2 injury report.
#NEBHInjuryReport for Game 2 vs Miami:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 18, 2022
Sam Hauser (right shoulder instability episode) - OUT
Al Horford (Health & Safety Protocols) - DOUBTFUL
Marcus Smart (right mid-foot sprain) - PROBABLE
Through 10 NBA Playoff games, Smart is averaging 15.0 points, 6.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game.
With Smart sidelined, Derrick White started for the Celtics, and Payton Pritchard saw an increased role off the bench.
What channel is Celtics vs. Heat on?
- Date: Thursday, May 19
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live streaming: Sling TV | Watch ESPN
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will air on ESPN. Viewers can also stream Game 2 on Watch ESPN or Sling TV.
Viewers in the U.S. can stream every NBA Playoff game live on SLING TV. With the SLING Orange Sports Extra package, get $10 off your first month now with access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT and NBATV. NBA Playoff games on ABC are simulcast on ESPN3, which is included with SLING Orange, available for $35 per month including $25 the first month for new subscribers.
MORE: Watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV (U.S. only)
Celtics vs. Heat start time
- Date: Thursday, May 19
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will tip off around 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 19. The game will be played at FTX Arena in Miami.
Celtics vs. Heat schedule, TV channels
Here is the full schedule for the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) / Result | TV channel |
| May 17 | Game 1 | Heat 118, Celtics 107 | ESPN |
| May 19 | Game 2 | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 21 | Game 3 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| May 23 | Game 4 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| May 25 | Game 5* | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 27 | Game 6* | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 29 | Game 7* | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
*If necessary
