Miami exploited the short-handed Celtics in the third quarter, and now Boston needs a plan to come back strong in Game 2.

Jimmy Butler scored 41 points, and the Miami Heat turned things around with a huge third quarter on the way to beating the shorthanded Boston Celtics 118-107 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night

Smart is out with a mid-foot sprain, while Horford entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols prior to Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Boston’s Ime Udoka and Miami’s Erik Spoelstra have known each other for decades, and will match wits when the Celtics and Heat open their Eastern Conference final series on Tuesday.

Grant Williams scores 27 points as Boston beats Milwaukee, 109-81.

The Celtics center has missed the last three games with a bone bruise in his left knee.

The Celtics bounced back from a tough loss in Game 5 to earn a trip back to Boston for Game 7 against Milwaukee.

Led by Jayson Tatum, Boston overcomes a 44-point, 20-rebound performance by Giannis Antetokounmpo and beats Milwaukee, 108-95.

Boston must win Friday night in Milwaukee, or its season will be over.

Boston blows a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter and must win Friday in Milwaukee to keep its season alive.