The Wizards and Clippers both took homecourt advantage away from their hosts in Game 1 of their respective NBA Round 2 series. Can the Pacers and Thunder manage to tie it up at one game each on Wednesday night, or will they fall to an early 2-0 hole?
Will the Wizards or Clippers come closer to a Round 2 upset? Our review of NBA experts’ Round 2 predictions suggested the Clippers, but both were expected to push hard for the next round against higher-ranking opponents, and tonight will tell us a lot about how legitimate their bids to do so are.
If you agree these series underdogs deserve a look, you’ll want to create a betting account today and bet the value on one or both of these teams to go all the way.
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Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers (7:00 PM ET)
Line: Washington Wizards (+4) at Indiana Pacers (-4); total: 184.5 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Washington Wizards
The “young and inexperienced” Wizards continue to get things done, especially on the road. Washington is now 7-0 SU/ATS in its last seven road games, and 4-0 SU/ATS in the playoffs.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Bradley Beal and John Wall (38 points and 16 assists combined) were as advertised, but Trevor Ariza (22 points, 6-for-6 3PFGs) and his dead-eye three-point shooting (56% in the playoffs) has emerged as a possible X-factor.
Betting on the Indiana Pacers
Roy Hibbert’s revival in Game 7 vs. the Hawks was a false dawn. Hibbert returned to his useless ways, recording 0 points and rebounds in 18 minutes in Game 1, as the Pacers lost to the Wizards at home for the first time since 2007.
Paul George (18 points, 4-for-17 FGs in Game 1) had an off-night, but should bounce back in Game 2. More worryingly for the Pacers though has been their three-point defense. Indiana is allowing over 11 made threes a game, by far the most by any team in the postseason.
Writer’s Prediction
The Pacers haven’t shown any signs that they can win, much less cover, against the Washington, take the Wizards +4 on the road.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (9:30 PM ET)
Line: Los Angeles Clippers (+5.5) at Oklahoma City Thunder (-5.5); total: 215.0 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
The Chris Paul of the last two games (27 PPG, 12 APG) is the version the Clippers need against the Thunder. With Paul at optimum efficiency, the Clippers have scored over 120 points per game in these playoffs.
And with JJ Redick (14 PPG) and Jamal Crawford (16.8 PPG) chipping in with their points, scoring will not be a problem for LA. The over is 8-2 in the Clippers’ last 10 games.
Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder need a little more offense and a lot more defense in Game 2. Defensive stopper Thabo Sefolosha started in place of Caron Butler in Game 1, but couldn’t contain the Clippers’ perimeter players by himself.
On offense, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook supplied 54 points, but key reserves Butler and Reggie Jackson shot just 2-for-15 combined. The over is 6-1 in the Thunder’s last seven games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Clippers cool down, and Durant and Westbrook capitalize to earn a split at home. Take the Thunder -5.5 at home.
