Hoops fans are in for a treat later tonight as the NBA has lined up three mouth-watering playoff games that will definitely whet your sporting appetite. Two of those contests, in particular, deserve all your attention namely the Boston-Cleveland clash and the Dallas-Houston showdown.
Who will emerge victorious in this pair of Game 2 matchups? Read on below for a quick breakdown of these two pivotal games and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of Game 2 of the best-of-seven series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs.
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Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (7:00 AM ET)
Line: Boston Celtics (+11) at Cleveland Cavaliers (-11); total: 207.0 – view all NBA lines
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Cleveland Cavaliers opened their run towards a first NBA title in emphatic fashion, beating the Boston Celtics, 113-100, in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round showdown on Sunday. Kyrie Irving scored 30 points in his postseason debut while LeBron James added 20 markers in his first playoff game for Cleveland since bolting town five years ago.
Game 2 is set later tonight with the Celtics looking to knot the series up at one apiece. For them to accomplish that feat, they need to get more production from their starters. Boston’s starting lineup combined for just 45 points on a horrid 17-of-39 shooting in the series opener.
The same can’t be said about Boston’s bench who outscored Cleveland’s reserves 55-29. Isaiah Thomas had another solid performance, scoring 22 points and dishing out 10 assists while coming off the bench.
The Cavs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games against the Celtics.
Writer’s Prediction
Cleveland wins, 115-99.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets (9:30 PM ET)
Line: Dallas Mavericks (+5.5) at Houston Rockets (-5.5); total: 215.5 – view all NBA lines
Houston’s top-notch offense took center stage on Saturday as the Rockets overwhelmed the Mavericks in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series, 118-108. Seven players scored in double-figures for the Rockets with James Harden leading the way with 24 points. It was Corey Brewer, though, who sealed the victory for Houston, scoring 13 of his 15 points in the final quarter to put the Mavericks away for good.
Expect another bruising encounter tonight in Game 2 with Dallas looking to level this series up at 1-1. The Mavericks will fancy their chances of grabbing that result with Dirk Nowitzki in fine form once again. The veteran showed he can still bring it on in the big stage, scoring 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting in Game 1. All five starters scored in double-figures for the Mavs who shot 44.4% from the field on Sunday.
The Rockets are 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six home games with the Mavericks.
Writer’s Prediction
Dallas wins, 106-101, to level the series at 1-1. Create a betting account now and bet on the best games for tonight.
