The NBA betting sites took everyone to school, including us in Game 1. In this article, we have our early NBA Final Game 2 Picks for this exciting Sunday night tilt. Can Golden State even the series after stumbling in Game 1?
Now, to get ready for Game 2, it is natural to look back at Game 1. The pace of Game 1 was expected to be high. That pace was mostly to be at the feet of the Golden State Warriors. However, Boston had other plans as the Boston three-party sank Golden State in the opener. Yes, it was that simple. A lot of the damage was done in the final quarter as well.
One of the fears that became reality on Thursday night was the Boston Celtics getting a hot hand. Through three quarters, the Golden State Warriors were playing to their pace and had 92 points. They had held Boston to 80 and though it was not great defense, the Warriors were effective at driving their pace. The final stanza saw a different reality as Boston poured in 40 points and played a suffocating defense amidst a three-point barrage.
So, Golden State learned some lessons from Thursday night. That is why they play the game. On the bright side, our pace of play projections was right on target. That is the quirky part. Both teams combined for 228 points which sailed way past even the highest of over projections (212-214 range). Again, with all those Al Horford three-pointers (six), Boston shot 21-41 from outside the arc. That helped create the total reversal.
Therefore, NBA Final Game 2 Picks focuses on not just one sole angle. It is a luxury to have some more options to further examine. Naturally, here at VegasBetting, our NBA Game 2 first pick is below.
So, the Golden State NBA Final Game 2 Picks have some necessary adjustments. One never should discount the Warriors too much or count them out. Even with the Game 1 home loss, that is the lesson. Bettors and some pundits should not write them off because of one disastrous quarter. That is just what the fourth quarter was on Thursday night. Most expect this not to happen again. Golden State must pay more attention to Boston’s offense.
Fortunately, this is a best-of-seven. Golden State gave Game 1 away as Boston had too many open looks as that final quarter went on. Even when Boston did not, the shots just seemed to keep going down. Boston overall shot 50.6% on the night and 51.1% from the three-point range. Those numbers were both greater than 60% in the last 12 minutes when Boston needed it most.
This series started as a Golden State primer on how to slow down Boston. Steve Kerr and Golden State were pushing all the right buttons and then literally, Boston ran Golden State out of their own barm in one of the toughest environments to do so. With that, Boston signified that this would indeed be a series. Did they catch the Warriors being a little complacent? Honestly, it sure seems like that was the case. Give Boston full marks here.
Golden State must pay more attention to Jaylen Brown and Al Horford. The scary part is that shut down Jayson Tatum all night (3 for 17 from the field but 13 assists). The Warriors lapsed when it came to Boston’s other two big players as they combined for 50 points and eight three-pointers. Therefore, Golden State now knows that it may take more than five games to win the NBA Championship. In our NBA Final Game 2 Picks, a series shift is here.
The NBA Final Game 2 Picks has another tip to consider. What about Golden State and the game spread? Huh? If a bettor is a bit gun-shy here, no one will blame them. However, though three quarters on Thursday night, Golden State was mostly in control and up by 12 points. Even with a not so good fourth quarter, Golden State probably wins by a half-dozen points or so and beats the spread.
Again, there are more dicey picks to make. However, this seems dangerous based on what happened in Game 1. A few pundits believe that Boston may have Golden State’s number. Here at VegasBetting, we are not sold on that just yet. Steve Kerr and the Warriors have adjustments that they can make in their coverage of Horford and Brown. The expectation is those are made for Game 2 and the rest of the series.
For what it is worth, the spread at 1.5 games is still in play. Golden State either was tired or again just got complacent. It is a point that must be emphasized. Boston gets tons of credit for pushing and pushing the tempo when they saw Golden State’s level drop. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both acknowledged that in their press conference. They will be back as they say.
For the NBA Final Game 2 Picks, watch the spread which is already teetering between 4 and 4.5 points. Take Golden State anyway.
Bovada has the series shift in prices captured early. Now, one can try and poach the market or look elsewhere at other options.
Also, Golden State, Boston, and the NHL all have some solid action this upcoming weekend.
Don’t forget about some more best NHL Playoff odds where you can wager Saturday and Sunday on all the Conference Finals’ action.
