NBA Conference Finals action continues over the next couple of days with two important Game 2’s. We preview both matchups and bring you our best free betting tips right here!
NBA Conference Finals Game 2 Betting Picks
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets
Ball Arena, 8:30pm (ET)
The Denver Nuggets protected home court in Game 1 with a wire-to-wire 132-126 win. Although they led for almost the entire game, it certainly got interesting late in the fourth quarter when the Los Angeles Lakers made their run.
The Lakers will be disappointed by the fact that they dropped Game 1, but will also be optimistic about the way they played in the second half. They found a defensive matchup with Rui Hachimura guarding Nikola Jokic that was far more effective and will be something they certainly explore going forward.
In saying that, the Joker still had an incredible game when posting yet another triple-double. He finished the night with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists in one of the great games you’ll ever see from a big man. Similarly, Anthony Davis had a big game in the paint for the Lakers, posting 40 points to go along with 10 rebounds.
The Nuggets will start Game 2 as the hot favorites and you can understand why considering their win in Game 1 coupled with their incredible home record this season. However, the Lakers will be confident they can steal this one and head back to LA with the series tied. I saw enough out of them in the second half of Game 1 to believe they’ll at least cover the spread in this one.
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
TD Garden, 8:30pm (ET)
The Boston Celtics have made a habit of starting series’ slow in these playoffs and that occurred once again in the first game of their matchup with the Miami Heat. Despite having home court on their side and starting as huge favorites, the Celtics dropped Game 1 and will now have to do it the hard way if they’re to get back to the NBA Finals this season.
Jimmy Butler’s incredible playoff run continued in Game 1 when he posted a game-high 35 points to go along with seven assists and six steals. He outmatched Celtics star Jayson Tatum who had 30 points and seven rebounds on an efficient 9-17 from the field.
The Heat shot the absolute lights out in the first game of this series, particularly from beyond-the-arc. They finished the game shooting 51.6% from three as a team, going 16-31. In contrast, the Celtics landed only 10 of their 29 attempts from deep to go 34.5%.
Despite the Heat winning Game 1, they’ll start as the big underdogs once again in Game 2. On this occasion, I agree with the bookies because it’s incredibly rare you’ll see the higher seeded team drop the opening to games on their home floor. The Celtics will be desperate to bounce back with a win and I expect them to do it in style.
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