The Miami Heat were left picking their teeth after a brutal loss in Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers. But the Heat don’t just fold easily, and they will look to storm back in Game 2. Will the Heat succeed? Or will the Lakers dominate Miami again?
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Betting Preview for the Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Finals Game 2 on October 2, 2020
Where: Walt Disney World, Orlando
When: Friday, October 2, 2020, 9:00 PM ET
Line: Miami Heat (+8) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (-8) – view all 2019-20 NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TBD
Betting on the Miami Heat (+8)
Regular Season Record: 44-29
The Heat simply got manhandled in their 116-98 loss to the Lakers in Game 1. Miami learned at least a few lessons in Game 1, including the affirmation that Jae Crowder can’t defend Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ big man had his way all night long, however, regardless of who was on him, but Miami still has to find a way to limit Davis’ production, and it appears that Bam Adebayo won’t be able to buy into that mission 100 percent after injuring his shoulder in Game 1. Adebayo isn’t ruled out for Game as of this writing, but in the event that he gets sidelined. Kelly Olynyk should get increased minutes while Meyers Leonard could see action as well. None of those two Heat backup bigs can stop Davis, but they could stretch the floor better because of their outside shooting. Speaking of which, the Heat went just 11-of-25 from deep in Game 1, with Duncan Robinson missing all three of his 3-point shots. Miami needed its 3-pointers to fall sooner than later. Goran Dragic also suffered an injury in the series opener, as he’s been diagnosed with a torn left plantar fascia. He is very much likely going to sit out Game 2, so Kendrick Nunn (18 points in Game 1) should expect heavy minutes on Friday.
The Heat are 6-4 against the spread in their last 10 games overall.
Betting on the Los Angeles Lakers (-8)
Regular Season Record: 52-19
The Lakers flexed their muscle in Game 1 and the Heat couldn’t do anything to stop Anthony Davis and company. Davis powered through the Heat’s defense for 34 points and nine boards. With Adebayo questionable for Game 2, Davis could be in line for even better numbers on Friday. But even if Adebayo is available, the Lakers still will come into the game as the bigger team, with Dwight Howard likely to start again. Then there’s LeBron James, who controlled the game. James had 25 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists. He consistently found teammates for easy scores, and that trend could continue because the Heat are too focused on Davis defensively. If they commit too much to James, he’ll just keep on dishing out dimes. It’s a paradox that will keep on confounding the Heat for as long as this series runs.
The Lakers are 4-1 against the spread in their last four games as the home team.
Writer’s Prediction
The Lakers win, 116-107.
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