Celtics Intriguing Underdog if Marcus Smart, Al Horford Both Play vs. Heat in Game 2

After injuries and health knocked out both Marcus Smart and Al Horford out of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics may be back on the right side of luck.

Both Smart and Horford are now expected to play when the Celtics look to even the series tonight against the Miami Heat in Game 2.

Their availability is a huge boost for the Celtics' outlook in evening the series. Via Boston Sports Info, the Celtics are 24-4 when Horford, Smart, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Grant Williams all play in the same game.

This record dates back to January 8 of this year, which was the turning point of the Celtics' mid-season turnaround. Boston, via NBA.com, won 33 games, finishing tops in the NBA in both defensive rating, and second in offensive rating.

Eastern Conference Game 2 Odds Shift Towards Celtics with Smart, Horford Available vs. Heat

After Miami opened as a 4-point favorite, the line has since moved down to the Heat as a 1.5-point favorite at WynnBET Sportsbook Thursday night. The total, originally set at 207, has ticked down just a touch to 206.5.

Initially questionable, Horford's status changed to available on Thursday afternoon, hours before tip-off.

As for Smart, he missed Game 1 with a foot sprain after getting hurt in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks. The NBA's Defensive Player of the Year was questionable before the start of the series before being ruled out. He's now listed as probable to play.

BetSided's Peter Dewey grabbed the Celtics at +4 in his Game 2 preview, citing the Celtics' improved rotation with more players back in the mix. Boston will still miss Derrick White for Game 2 as he returned home to be with his wife for the birth of their child.

With the line now near a pick 'em, there may be a unique opportunity to get some value on the Heat. Following their Game 1 win, with Erik Spolestra on the sidelines, Miami has covered 66% of the time against the spread, and have won 75 of 98 games straight up as a favorite.

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