@KeepTheJuice21 NBA Playoff Picks - 5/19

Game 1 proved what we thought it would, the Celtics have some tired legs. It didn’t help to lose Horford and Smart abruptly but even if they had played it would be hard to overcome the second half they had. But we saw what the Celtics could do to start the game and it’s hard to see the Heat beating them at that game when they are at full strength. While Horford’s COVID status is still in the air, it looks likely that Smart will be playing which is a huge boost. Miami has had issues with perimeter offense, which happens when your star (Butler) isn’t much of a shooter. The addition of Smart will force the ball inside even more which will give Williams a lot of opportunity. No doubt the Heat have the advantage in the paint with Bam but the range of the Celtics will be a problem to keep up with. With Smart back in the lineup and on more even footing fatigue-wise, the Celtics should come back strong in Game 2.