Celtics vs. Heat live score, updates, highlights from Game 1 of NBA Playoffs

By | May 17, 2023
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For the second straight year, the Celtics and Heat meet in the Eastern Conference Finals.

This time around, things look a little different, as Miami enters the series as the East’s 8-seed, advancing to the Conference Finals with upset series victories over Milwaukee and New York. Boston, which has the best record among remaining teams in the playoffs, is riding the momentum of a blowout Game 7 victory in the East Semis, a game in which Jayson Tatum set a Game 7 record with 51 points.

With Tatum, Jaylen Brown and company going up against “Playoff” Jimmy Butler and the Heat, there will be plenty to keep an eye on throughout the series. Can the Heat keep the magic going or are the Celtics destined for banner No. 18?

The Sporting News is tracking score updates and highlights from Game 1 between the Celtics and Heat.

MORE: Celtics, Heat renew rivalry in Eastern Conference Finals

Celtics vs. Heat score

Team 1 2 3 4 F
Celtics 30 – – – –
Heat 28 – – – –

Celtics vs. Heat live score, updates, highlights from Game 1 of NBA Playoffs

(All times Eastern.)

8:58 p.m. END OF FIRST QUARTER — The opening quarter of the Eastern Conference Finals ends with Boston on top 30-28. It’s been a back-and-forth affair so far. Butler has 12 points so far to lead all scorers. 

8:56 p.m. — Cody Zeller has checked into the game for Miami in place of Adebayo, but he picks up an offensive foul to stop the clock with 1:07 left in the first quarter. On the ensuing Celtics possession, Derrick White drains it from beyond the arc to re-take the lead. 

8:47 p.m. — That’s a great play by Butler as he drives the lane, pivots, fakes a shot then fires a pass to Caleb Martin, who duly knocks it down for three. That makes it 22-19 Miami as both teams look to seize the momentum. Butler also buried this pretty jumper over Williams just a few possessions earlier. 

8:42 p.m. — Jayson Tatum rattles home a triple to give the Celtics a 16-15 lead heading into a media timeout. You can see these two teams — and coaches — trying to feel each other out here early in Game 1. 

8:36 p.m. — Butler opens his account for the night with a jumper from 15 feet, then Jaylen Brown does the same on the other end with a close-range shot. After a pair of Robert Williams buckets, the Celtics have an early 8-6 lead. 

8:34 p.m. TIP-OFF — And we are underway. Boston gets a few good looks on the first couple of possessions, but they can’t convert. Bam Adebayo lays it in on the other end to open the scoring.

8:32 p.m. — Miami vs. Boston. Eastern Conference Finals. Sound familiar? Tip-off is just moments away. 

8:21 p.m. — “Playoff Jimmy” typically lights it up in the first quarter. We’ll see if he gets off to another hot start in this one.

8:08 p.m. — Boston’s Marcus Smart wrapped up his warmup with a shot straight out of a game of H-O-R-S-E. 

What channel is Celtics vs. Heat on?

  • Date: Wednesday, May 17
  • TV channel: TNT
  • Live stream: Sling TV

Game 1 between the Celtics and Heat will air on TNT, which is the exclusive home of the Eastern Conference Finals. Viewers in the United States can also stream the game on Sling TV.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering $10 off your first month! Stream the sports you love starting at just $30 in your first month with Sling Orange to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.

SIGN UP FOR SLING: English | Spanish

What time is Celtics vs. Heat tonight?

  • Date: Wednesday, May 17
  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and Heat is set to tip off around 8:30 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston.

Celtics vs. Heat odds

The Celtics enter Game 1 as 8.5-point favorites over the Heat.

  Celtics Heat
Spread -8.5 +8.5
Moneyline -375 +290

For the full market, check out BetMGM.

Celtics vs. Heat schedule

Here is the complete schedule for the Eastern Conference Finals series between Boston and Miami:

Date Game Time (ET)/Result TV channel
Wednesday, May 17 Game 1 8:30 p.m. at Celtics TNT
Friday, May 19 Game 2 8:30 p.m. at Celtics TNT
Sunday, May 21 Game 3 8:30 p.m. at Heat TNT
Tuesday, May 23 Game 4 8:30 p.m. at Heat TNT
Thursday, May 25 Game 5* 8:30 p.m. at Celtics TNT
Saturday, May 27 Game 6* 8:30 p.m. at Heat TNT
Monday, May 29 Game 7* 8:30 p.m. at Celtics TNT

*If necessary

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