The Boston Celtics will be starting the Eastern Conference Finals without the heart and soul of their team.
Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart was initially listed as questionable to play in Game 1 against the Miami Heat on Tuesday before being downgraded. Smart suffered what the Celtics are calling a "mid-foot sprain" in Boston's Game 7 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
According to Celtics coach Ime Udoka, Smart is mainly bruised, but overall, is progressing in a positive direction.
"He took a pretty bad fall. Got bent up. He has a mid-foot sprain," Udoka said about Smart's status on Monday. "Pretty tender and sore right now, but we'll get him around-the-clock treatment and right now he'll be listed as questionable."
MORE: Celtics vs. Heat - Breaking down 2022 Eastern Conference Finals
Will Smart be in the lineup for Game 1? Here is what we know about his status.
Is Marcus Smart playing tonight vs. Heat?
Hours before Game 1, the Celtics announced that Smart would be listed as out.
#NEBHInjuryReport update:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 17, 2022
Al Horford (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT
Marcus Smart (right mid-foot sprain) - OUT
Through 10 playoff games, Smart is averaging 15.0 points, 6.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game.
If Smart is unable to play, expect Celtics guards Payton Pritchard and Derrick White to get an increased role against the Heat.
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What channel is Celtics vs. Heat on?
- Date: Tuesday, May 17
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live streaming: Sling TV
Game 1 of the second-round series between the Heat and Celtics will be broadcast on ESPN. Mike Breen will serve as the play-by-play voice in the series alongside analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Lisa Salters will serve as the sideline reporter while retired official Steve Javie will provide rules analysis.
The game can be live streamed on Sling TV.
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MORE: Watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV
What time does Celtics vs. Heat start?
- Date: Tuesday, May 17
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT
The Heat and Celtics will get the Eastern Conference Finals underway Tuesday, May 17. The game will tip off shortly after 8:30 p.m. ET and be played at the FTX Arena in Miami.
Celtics vs. Heat series schedule
Here is the full schedule for the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| May 17 | Game 1 | 8:30 p.m. | 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