After letting the Bobcats hang around in the first three quarters, the Miami Heat took their game to another level in the fourth quarter of Game 1 in order to outlast Steve Clifford’s pesky Bobcats team. With Al Jefferson not 100% thanks to a foot injury, will the defending champions have another easy victory in Game 2?
[sc:NBAArticles ]Charlotte Bobcats vs. Miami Heat Round 1, Game 2 Betting Preview
Series Schedule & Results
Game 1 – April 20, Charlotte 88 Miami 99
Game 2 – April 23, 7:00 PM ET, Charlotte (+10.5) at Miami (-10.5); total 186.0 – view all NBA lines
Game 3 – April 26, 7:00 PM ET, Miami at Charlotte
Game 4 – April 28, 7:00 PM ET, Miami at Charlotte
Game 5 (if necessary) – April 30, Charlotte at Miami
Game 6 (if necessary) – May 2, Miami at Charlotte
Game 7 (if necessary) – May 4, Charlotte at Miami
Betting on the Charlotte Bobcats
The impact of Al Jefferson on this series can’t be overstated. Prior to Jefferson’s left foot injury in Game 1 (diagnosed as a plantar fascia strain), the dominant big man had made his first four attempts from the field, leading his squad to an early nine-point lead. However, Charlotte lost all its momentum when Jefferson exited, and the Heat took over.
Jefferson hobbled through the rest of the game, needed multiple painkiller injections to stay on the floor, and simply wasn’t as effective from that point on. He also hasn’t practiced since Game 1, though he has said he will play in Game 2 regardless of how uncomfortable the injury is.
Charlotte is now 0-16 SU against Miami in the Big Three Era, and will need more from Kemba Walker to stop that streak. In Game 1, the former UConn Huskie had 20 points, but had six turnovers. The Bobcats had 15 total turnovers, leading to 20 easy Heat points.
The last three games between the Heat and Bobcats at American Airlines Arena have gone over.
Betting on the Miami Heat
In Game 1, LeBron James was his usual dominant self, recording 27 markers and nine boards. But it was Dwyane Wade (23 points, 10-of-16 from the field) who stole the show.
With their win over Charlotte, Miami won its 47th postseason game in the last four years – the most in the NBA over that span. Furthermore, the Heat are 9-2 SU in their last 11 playoff home games.
But for another sure win against the Bobcats, Coach Erik Spoelstra will need more from Chris Bosh, who only had 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting in Game 1. Moreover, the stretch forward is averaging only 13 points and six boards a game since March. Against a hobbled Jefferson, Bosh should be more aggressive on offense.
Miami is 2-5 ATS in its last seven playoff games.
Writer’s Prediction
With Al Jefferson not 100%, the Bobcats won’t be able to match an offensively efficient Heat team, which now has a playoff-ready Dwyane Wade. Take the Heat to win SU.
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