Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics
The Nets will look to bounce back after a heartbreaking 1 point loss against the Celtics in Game 1. However, Kyrie Irving was the leader against his former side with 39 points and hit 6 threes. He seems to feed over the energy of the Boston crowd. Meanwhile, Durant wasn't at his very best as he finished with 23 pts and struggled from the field, going 9 of 24. But they'll be happy with their bench production through Claxton and Dragic.
Boston produced a miracle in Game 1 as Tatum nailed a lay-up as time expired to give the Celtics a crucial 1-0 series lead. Tatum was excellent for Boston, scoring 31 points and shooting 12 of 25. He was well supported by Jaylen Brown with 23 pts and Horford/Smart both added 20 pts.
Generally the trend between these two sides has been the Over and it also saluted in Game 1 despite Durant not having his best game. He should improve in Game 2. The Over has a good record at this venue with the Nets involved as it's 5-0.
Stadium Record
The Celtics are 5-1 in their last 6 home games. The Nets have lost 11 of their last 15 in Boston.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head to head is locked at 5-5.
Best Bet
Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors
The 76ers head to Toronto with a 2-0 series lead after two dominant wins on their home court. Tyrese Maxey followed up his game 1 performance with another brilliant display in Game 2 with 23 pts. Joel Embiid also finished with 31 points and bounced back from a quiet Game 1. James Harden struggled with turnovers in Game 2 with 5 so he'll look to improve in Game 3. Thybulle is out for Game 3 as he's not vaccinated.
Toronto will look to turn around their fortunes in Game 3 after a disappointing start to the series in Philadelphia. Their offence has struggled to keep up with the 76ers, mainly due to a few injury concerns with Gary Trent and Scottie Barnes. Barnes missed Game 2 and is doubtful for Game 3. Trent played in Game 2 but could only manage 10 minutes due to an illness. So unless Toronto can get healthy, this series is looking over.
A venue change shouldn't change much in this series. The Raptors have too many injury concerns and their defence has struggled to stop Embiid and Maxey.
Stadium Record
The Raptors are 7-1 in their last 8 home games. Philadelphia has covered in just 1 of their last 6 in Toronto.
Head to Head Record
The 76ers have won back to back games in this series. Since 2020, the head to head is tied at 5-5.
Best Bet
Philadelphia 76ers -1.5 = $1.85
Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks
The Bulls started slowly in Game 1 as they were down 34-21 in the first quarter. But they responded in the third quarter as they hit the lead. However, scoring 15 pts in the 4th quarter wasn't ideal as they fell short 93-86. They will be happy with the form of Vucevic as he scored 24 pts and collected 17 boards. But LaVine and DeRozan both struggled from the field as Chicago shot just 32%.
The Bucks will look for a 2-0 lead after winning Game 1 by 7 pts. Antetokounmpo led the scoring for the Bucks with 27 pts and 16 boards. Brook Lopez also dominated with 18 pts and 2 blocks. However, turnovers were an issue in Game 1 as they recorded 21 and Middleton was the main culprit with 7. So they'll look to improve in this area on Thursday.
The Under easily saluted in Game 1 and we're predicting a similar return in Game 2. The trend has been the Under between the two sides as it's 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Milwaukee.
Stadium Record
The Bucks are 8-2 in their last 10 home games. The Bulls have lost all their last 5 in Milwaukee.
Head to Head Record
Milwaukee has dominated this matchup with 9 wins in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
