Watch Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat — NBA Playoffs R1 G1 Free.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 23:30 UTC
The NBA Playoffs kick off with a classic Eastern Conference rivalry as the Boston Celtics host the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the first round. Expect high intensity and physical play from the opening tip.
What's at Stake
The quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy begins with a high-stakes renewal of one of the Eastern Conference's most physical modern rivalries. As the top-seeded Boston Celtics host the Miami Heat in Game 1, both franchises look to establish immediate dominance in a series that has historically defined the path to the NBA Finals. For Boston, this postseason run is about fulfilling championship expectations, while Miami aims to orchestrate yet another signature underdog run starting on the road.
Head-to-Head
These two postseason frequent flyers have shared a highly competitive history, having met in multiple Eastern Conference Finals over recent years. While Boston has controlled the regular-season matchups with their potent offense, Miami's disciplined zone defense and physical play style have consistently troubled the Celtics in playoff settings. The Heat enter this series looking to disrupt Boston's rhythm early, relying on their proven playoff chemistry to counter the Celtics' home-court advantage.
Key Players to Watch
- Jayson Tatum — The Celtics' MVP candidate needs to set a physical tone early and navigate Miami's aggressive double-teams to unlock Boston's perimeter shooting.
- Jimmy Butler — Known for elevating his game in the postseason, the Heat forward will be tasked with orchestrating the offense and anchoring Miami's perimeter defense.
- Jaylen Brown — His transition scoring and on-ball defensive intensity will be crucial in neutralizing Miami's wing rotation and maintaining Boston's offensive tempo.
Prediction
Boston's depth and superior regular-season form give them the upper hand playing in front of a raucous home crowd at TD Garden. While Miami's disciplined defense will likely keep the game close through the first three quarters, the Celtics' offensive versatility should allow them to pull away late. Expect Boston to secure a hard-fought Game 1 victory with a projected score of 108-98 to take an early lead in the series.
Where to Watch Free
How to Watch — Step by Step
Get a VPN
Sign up for NordVPN (30-day money-back guarantee). Install the app on your device.
Connect to Greece
Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Greece. This gives you a local IP address.
Go to ERT Play
Visit https://www.ert.gr in your browser or app. The stream should be available for free.
Watch live
Enjoy the stream! If one service doesn't work, try another country from the table above.
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FAQ
How do I watch Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat — NBA Playoffs R1 G1 for free?
Connect your VPN to Greece, then visit ERT Play. The stream is free-to-air in that country.
Which VPN should I use?
We recommend NordVPN for the best streaming experience — fast servers, reliable geo-unblocking, and easy setup.
Do I need to create an account on the streaming service?
Some free services require a free account (e.g., ITVX in the UK needs email signup). Others like ORF or ZDF stream without any account.
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