Boston Celtics at Miami Heat
The odds were against the Celtics in Game 1 as they were without Al Horford and Marcus Smart in the 118-107 loss. They started well in the first half but faded in the second half, which also could've been due to a gruelling previous series against the Bucks. However, Tatum's form continued as he finished with 29 pts in Game 1 and he's averaging 28 pts per game in this year's playoffs. Robert Williams looks good with 18 pts and it looks his knee injury has subsided. Pritchard was great off the bench again as well with 18 pts and 4 threes. As a team, they would like to clean up their turnovers after making 16 in Game 1. In Game 2, the Celtics should get Smart back but Horford is doubtful to play.
It was a perfect start to the series for the Heat as they jumped out to a 1-0 series lead. They finished the stronger of the two sides, especially in the 3rd quarter. Miami outscored Boston in the 3rd, 39-14 and that set up the victory. Jimmy Butler was outstanding with 41 pts and hit 12 of 19 shots from the field. Herro and Vincent provided good support with 35 combined pts and enjoyed more space without Smart on the court. In terms of injuries, Lowry is still out with a hamstring but the Heat are healthy otherwise.
There's some nice value for Jimmy Butler to continue his shooting form in Game 2 with another 30+ point masterclass. He's coming off 41 pts in Game 1 on Tuesday and has scored 30+ pts in 4 of his last 5 playoff games.
Stadium Record
The Heat are 7-0 at home in this year's playoffs. Boston are 10-6 in Miami in their last 16 games.
Head to Head Record
Miami have won 6 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Player points - J. Butler 30+ Pts = $2.75
Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
It wasn't a great start to the series for the Mavs as they went down 112-87 in Game 1 on Wednesday. The Warriors defence locked down on Doncic and he could only manage 20 pts. He also turned the ball over 7 times. So he'll look to bounce back in Game 2. As a team, they shot just 36% from the field and the likes of Brunson and Dinwiddie couldn't give Doncic the scoring support he needed. They also struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 11 of 48 at 22.9%. We expect them to respond in Game 2 but they can't rely on Doncic to score 30+ pts every game.
The Warriors kicked off the series with excellent team performance in Game 1 on Wednesday. Curry top-scored with 21 pts and 3 threes. He had nice support from Wiggins and Poole with 19 pts. The Warriors were efficient from the field as they shot 56%. Their defence was outstanding against Doncic and they allowed just 87 pts. Klay Thompson didn't have his best game with just 15 pts so there's room for improvement in the Warriors as well.
The Mavs were disappointing in Game 1 and we don't see them bouncing back with the Warriors defensive play against Doncic. Golden State is also a tough team to beat at home with a 7-0 record in the playoffs and they've won their last 2 games by a 10+ margin. Warriors to cover and make it 2-0.
Stadium Record
Golden State are 7-0 on their home court in the playoffs this year. Dallas have won 4 of their last 6.
Head to Head Record
The Mavs are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings but lost Game 1 of the series.
Best Bet
