Game 2 of the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics' playoff series will tip-off later tonight from the TD Garden in Massachusetts. After a big Game 1 win, the Celtics will be looking to build momentum and defend home court against a Miami Heat team that is sorely missing Jimmy Butler. With the Heat eager to even up the series before heading back to Miami, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET), with the Inside the NBA crew on TNT handling primary broadcasting duties.
With the chance to go up 2-0, fans continue to express confidence that this year may finally be their opportunity to capture an NBA title with a Tatum-Brown duo. Ahead of the game, let's take a look at the injury report, before then looking at the projected starting lineups and depth charts for both teams.
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Injury Reports
Miami Heat injury report
Per the NBA.com injury report, Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson and Terry Rozier are all listed as out.
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
Butler is dealing with an MCL sprain from the play-in tournament, while Richardson is out after undergoing shoulder surgery. In the case of Terry Rozier, the guard is listed as out with neck spasms.
The team also has Haywood Highsmith, Kevin Love, and Duncan Robinson listed as available. Highsmith and Love are reportedly dealing with upper arm contusions, while Robinson deals with what is listed as "Left Facet Syndrome.".
Boston Celtics injury report
In the case of the Boston Celtics, the team only has one player, Luke Kornet, listed on their injury report. Kornet is dealing with a right calf strain and will miss Game 2 after previously missing Game 1.
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics starting lineups and depth charts for Game 2
Miami Heat starting lineup and depth chart
Boston Celtics starting lineup and depth chart
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics key matchups
With Jimmy Butler out, the Heat will likely continue to look to run things through Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Of course, Bam Adebayo will also play a big role for the team as he handles frontcourt duties and protects the paint.
As a result, the battle between Herro and Jrue Holiday, as well as the bigs' matchups with Bam Adebayo and Kristaps Porzingis, will be crucial. With the Heat outmanned in this series, expect Jayson Tatum to have another big game, with Nikola Jovic battling to contain him.
As seen in previous games with Miami, the team runs a fluid zone that changes from a 2-3 to a 3-2, and even sometimes a 1-2-2, all in the same play. Because of that, matchups between players on both teams will likely be fluid and change throughout the game.
Miami Heat Nation! You can check out the latest Miami Heat Schedule and dive into the Heat Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.