Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks
The Heat will be disappointing in their Game 1 Overtime loss to the Bucks but there's plenty of room for improvement in Game 2. Overall, the Heat shot just 36% from the field and Jimmy Butler was the major contributor as he finished just 4 of 22 from the field. However, the positive for the Heat is despite a horrible performance from Butler and Adebayo, the Heat only just lost in Overtime. While Butler and Adebayo should improve in Game 2, the form of Robinson and Dragic is a plus for this team. Robinson nailed 7 threes on his way to 24 points and Dragic was impressive off the bench with 25 points.
Meanwhile, the Bucks are up 1-0 in the series after Middleton nailed the Overtime game-winner. He continued his impressive playoff form with 27 points, as such he's now scored 23+ pts in 5 of the Bucks last 6 playoff games. As usual, Giannis was strong with 26 points and 18 rebounds. Overall, their best 3 players played 40+ minutes in Game 1 and we can expect more of the same in Game 2 as they push for a 2-0 series lead before heading to Miami.
Despite all their offensive struggles in Game 1, an OT loss will still give the Heat confidence. Especially if Butler and Adebayo find their shooting groove in Game 2. Miami also has a nice 7-1 ATS record against the Bucks in the playoffs and the underdog has been a profitable bet in the playoffs thus far.
Stadium Record
The Bucks are undefeated in their last 5 home games. The Heat are 3-3 in their last 6 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Milwaukee beat the Heat in Game 1, 109-107. Since 2020, the two sides are 5-5 against each other.
Best Bet
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Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets
Damian Lillard took advantage of a favourable matchup against the Nuggets with 34 points in Game 1 as Portland cruised to a 123-109 victory. So with a 2-0 series lead on the line, expect Lillard to continue his shooting form. Defensively, the Trail Blazers struggled against Jokic/Porter Jr. as expected but the Nuggets injury problems means they can really lockdown on the Nuggets duo during this series.
The Nuggets will be out for revenge in Game 2 after a disappointing home loss. They couldn't stop Lillard on his way to 34 points and without Jamal Murray, they need more from their guard rotation otherwise this series will be over very quickly. They'll also need to improve their shooting from beyond the arc after finishing with just 30% compared to Portland's 47%.
We're all over Lillard in this series until the Nuggets develop a defensive gameplan to quell his influence. In Game 1, he finished with 34 pts and 13 assists so the player combo markets look good value for just 40+ pts/assists.
Stadium Record
The Nuggets are 13-3 in their last 16 home games. Portland holds a 4-10 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Trail Blazers smashed the Nuggets 123-109 in Game 1 of this series. Since 2019, the head to head is locked at 5-5.
Best Bet
Player points + assists - D. Lillard 40+ = $2.00
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