There are three Game 2s on the slate for tonight, and all the winners in Game 1 took their victories defiantly. Each game features some unbelievable playmakers for both, and they could easily swing the game in their direction. One game should have a ton of scoring as they feature the two best offenses in the league, and it could go either way.
(Odds courtesy DraftKings)
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Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat (-7) O/U 219 (Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m.)
The Heat took the first game with ease at 115-91. Miami guard Duncan Robinson had the game of his life with 27 points and hit eight threes. Miami played well on both sides of the ball as they shot 52.5% from the field and held Atlanta to 38.7.
While we shouldn’t expect the same performance from Robinson in Game 2, it opens up the floor to score from inside and out. The Heat also brought the Heat from inside as they outscored the Hawks 38-26 inside the paint and moved the ball well overall.
This year, Miami has a good track record against Atlanta, going 4-1 against the spread, including two out-scoring them by seven.
This will be another big win at home in what looks like will be a short series.
Leg 1: Heat -7
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzles (-7) O/U 241 (Tip-Off: 8:30 p.m ET)
The Timberwolves came away with the road victory and now have the advantage and momentum going into Game 2. While Karl Anthony Towns won’t win the MVP, he certainly is a crucial cog that keeps this team turning. He’s shown versatility as he still dominates inside but has become a perimeter threat that creates mismatches on defense.
If the T-Wolves want to complete this upset, they will need more than Towns contributing. They got that in Game 1 with Anthony Edward having a game-high 36 points and Michael Beasley coming off the bench with 23.
Ja Morant did not disappoint in this game either, with 32 points, including an astonishing 16-20 from the free line. This team likes to attack the rim and force their opponent in sending them to the free-throw line. Although they finished near the bottom in the free percentage (28th at 73.4%), their volume allowed them to average the fifth-most free throws made per game (17.3)
The crowd might chant “defense,” but it won’t be featured on the court. The top two offenses in the league did not disappoint, scoring a combined 247 points in Game 1. The over has hit in four of six games when the total is between 240-243. We should have the same high-powered offense on display on an early must-win for the Grizz.
Leg 2: Over 241
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns (-9.5) O/U 221.5 (Tip-Off 10 p.m. ET)
In Game 1, the Pelicans could not buy a basket in the first half scoring just 32 points. The second half was much better, but they could not overcome the deficit. None of their stars shot well, including CJ McCollum ging 9-25, Brandon Ingram 6-17, and Jonas Valanciunas just 7-21.
A staggering number to look at is New Orleans out-rebounded Phoenix 55-35, and you wonder if the shooting was better, would this game have been different?
For The Pelicans is going to be tough as the Suns are the No. 1 shooting team in the league (48.5%) and third in opponent shooting percent (44.3%), while they’re 23rd in shooting (45.7) and 21st in opponent shooting (47.1).
Phoniex is 4-1 against the spread vs. the Pels, including all four by over nine points. You have to love them coming away with another big win.
Leg 3: Suns -9.5
Total parlay odds on DraftKings: +581
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