The Conference Finals continue on Friday and Saturday in the NBA, with the Nuggets and Celtics to again hosting before both series shift home teams for game 3.
As always, the team at Before You Bet have you covered for all your NBA Betting Tips. Check out our preview and Best Bets for both games below!
NBA Conference Finals Betting Tips: Game 2
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets
Ball Arena, 10:30am AEST, Friday 19th May
Game 1 of this series was a tremendously entertaining affair. The Nuggets burst out of the gate, leading by 12 after the first quarter, and 18 at the main break. The Lakers made adjustments, and looked far better in the second half, winning the second half 72-60. Was this a sign that the Lakers had figured the Nuggets out, or did the Nuggets just take their foot of the gas?
In game 1, the Nuggets closed 7-point favourites. The number has contracted to Nuggets -5.5 for game 2, which is fair enough for a game 2. If the Nuggets can somehow kick out to another big lead, I wouldn’t be surprised, however I do believe the Lakers should be able to keep this game tighter, and I’ll explain why when discussing the total in the game.
The total has crept up 4 points, with game 1 closing 222.5, to now sit at 226.5 for game 2. I understand, 258 points in game 1 make it seem like over HAS to be the play, but two factors greatly contributed to that scoreline. First, both teams shot way above expectation in game 1, with the Nuggets shooting 54.8% from the field, including 45.8% from deep. The Lakers were even better, shooting 54.9% from the floor and 46.9% from downtown. The pace of play was also electric, and with only one day rest, I’d be surprised if the pace of play is close to this in game 2.
With a lower scoring game, run at a slower pace, I like the Lakers to cover. I may have a small play on the Lakers to win, however it won’t be a best bet. So, Lakers to cover and an under are my plays for this huge matchup.
Other Bet
Lakers (+6) - $1.90 @ Betfair (1u)
Under 226.5 total points
$1.90 (2 Units)
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
TD Garden, 10:30am AEST, Saturday 26th May
Game 2 will see the Celtics aiming to square the series, after the Heat put together a great win in game 1 at TD Garden. The Heat now take home court advantage, but we know from several earlier finals’ series involving the Celtics, losing a game 1 doesn’t mean all that much to them.
In game 1, the Celtics managed to take a 9-point lead into halftime, but it always seemed as though the Heat were there with them. A Jimmy Butler-inspired 46-25 3rd quarter from the Heat was enough for the road team, running away 123-116 winners.
The main difference between the teams in game 1 was the 3-point shooting. The Celtics managed to hit their 3-pointers at a 34.5% clip, while the Heat managed to shoot 51.6% on their 3-point attempts.
The line hasn’t changed a great deal here, with the Celtics closing 8.5-point favourites in game 1. They have opened 9-point favourites for game 2, and I can’t disagree. Celtics have been money in game 2’s so far, this post-season, and it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see them hit back in game 2.
The Heat would obviously love a 2-0 lead heading home for game 3, however I have to believe if they go down early again, that they may rest some players. The Celtics have been money with their backs against the wall the past two seasons, and whilst I’m not crazy about the line, the Celtics have definite potential to blow out the Heat in game 2.
I also like the over. The total still has some of last year’s series baked into it, and these two teams are not the defensive units they were last year. The fact it’s only bumped up one point from game 1, also makes me like this. I’ll take the over, and also like a Celtics over.
Other Bet
Over 214.5 total points - $1.90 @ TAB (1.5u)
Boston Celtics (-9)
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
