A best-of-three series to decide who goes to the NBA Finals – that's what the Eastern Conference Finals has become.
The Celtics and Heat are tied at two games apiece as the series shifts back to Miami for a pivotal Game 5 at FTX Arena. By now, I'm sure you're aware of the stat that the team that wins Game 5 in a best-of-seven series tied at 2-2 goes on to win the series 82 percent of the time.
Those are the odds these teams are facing in this massive contest, but it is worth noting that just last round, the Celtics dropped Game 5 in a 2-2 series to the Bucks and then went on to win Games 6 and 7 to advance to the Conference Finals.
Both teams have been plagued with injuries so far and the health of key rotation players could be a deciding factor in who takes Game 5.
MORE: Tatum's aggressive offense breathes life back into Celtics
In Game 4, the Heat were missing Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro due to a groin strain, while the Celtics were missing Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart due to an ankle sprain.
According to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, Herro said the plan is to bounce back and be available for Game 5. Meanwhile, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka told reporters before Game 4 that Smart was still dealing with significant swelling.
With the status of Herro and Smart unknown, the focus will be on the superstars of each team to step up in what feels like a must-win game for both sides. Will Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo respond after quiet showings in Game 4? Or will Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown prove the Celtics have too much firepower for Miami?
What channel is Celtics vs. Heat on?
- Date: Wednesday, May 25
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live streaming: Watch ESPN | Sling TV
Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals will air on ESPN. Viewers can also stream Game 5 on Watch ESPN and Sling TV.
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MORE: Watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV (U.S. only)
Celtics vs. Heat start time
- Date: Wednesday, May 25
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT
Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals will tip off around 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 25. The game will be played at the FTX Arena in Miami, FL.
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 | Celtics 127, Heat 102 | ESPN |
| May 21 | Game 3 | Heat 109, Celtics 103 | ABC |
| May 23 | Game 4 | Celtics 102, Heat 82 | 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
