Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
Getty ImagesBoth Milwaukee and Golden State scored big road wins in Game 1 of their respective second-round series’.
Let’s take a look at what these series could look like after Game 2 tips off in Boston and Memphis. Tonight, we’ll check out the favorites, lines, and best bets in both series. We’ll also take a look at some NBA player props featuring Jaren Jackson Jr. and Stephen Curry that should hit comfortably in tonight’s Game 2 between the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Please Note: All odds and lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and were accurate at 2:30 PM EST. Be sure to check for line movement or odd changes.
Best Bets of the Night
Game: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics -5 (MIL Leads 1-0)
Although Giannis Antetokoumpo is playing basketball at an unbelievable level while the Celtics seemed to have no answers for him in Game 1, Boston should bounce back and take Game 2 at home by at least five points. Simply put, the Bucks bodied the Celtics and limited them to 89 points in Game 1. None of the Celtics’ best players shot above 35% from the field in Game 1. Jayson Tatum mustered an inefficient 21 points (6-18 FG), Marcus Smart scored produced 10 points (3-11 FG), and Jaylen Brown scored a measly 12 points (4-13 FG).
While Milwaukee shot a mediocre 41.1% from the field, they finished the game with 101 points. Giannis scored 24 (9-25 FG), Bobby Portis scored 15 (6-12 FG), and Jrue Holiday was incredibly clutch with Khris Middleton sidelined. He scored a game-high 25 points (8-20 FG). Therefore, the Bucks’ three best scorers shot 23-of-47 from the field compared to Boston’s top three weapons’ converting just 13-of-42. Tatum, Brown, and Smart combined drained just 31% of their shots.
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While Giannis continues to dominate, the Celtics seemingly have no answers on how to contain him. What is scary is that he had a mediocre night from the field and only scored 24 points. However, he contributed in every possible way, finishing with a 24-point, 13-rebound, and 12-assist triple-double. Despite his masterful performance in Game 1, I can guarantee you that Giannis was unsatisfied with his offensive efficiency shooting the ball. The Celtics have to rely on Robert Williams III in the paint, Al Horford, and a little bit of Grant Williams and Jayson Tatum to defend the Greek Freak.
Despite the Bucks’ second-best player, Khris Middleton, out of the lineup, Bobby Portis, Wesley Matthews, and Pat Connaughton are doing a terrific job filling the void. The Bucks simply look unstoppable at the moment with their big lineup (Giannis at small forward, Portis at power forward, and Brook Lopez at center). Milwaukee could lose by four points and you’d still come out on top tonight. If the Celtics edge out a win tonight, odds are that it comes down to the wire. It also doesn’t help the Celtics that Marcus Smart is listed as questionable tonight. He will likely play through the injury but it was very evident that he was pushing through the pain at the conclusion of Game 1. Plus, the Bucks are 4-2 against the spread this postseason with the largest margin of victory (14.2 points per game) as well as the largest average number of points they cover the spread by (+ 8.3 points per game ATS).
The Pick: Milwaukee Bucks +5 (-110)
Game: Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies +2 (GSW Leads 1-0)
Memphis’ Game 1 117-116 loss to the Golden Warriors was a nail-biter. Memphis played well but Ja Morant failed to produce another game-winning buzzer-beater as he did in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
As a team, the Warriors shot 48.4% (45-93 FG) from the field in Game 1, which is pretty darn good. Likewise, the Grizzlies converted a respectable 43.2% (41-95 FG) of their shots, which simply wasn’t enough to contain the fast-paced dangerous offense of the Warriors. Jordan Poole, who has been playing with more confidence this postseason than perhaps any other young star, had another huge night in Game 1.
If all three of the “new” Splash Brothers ball out, the Warriors are virtually unstoppable. Although Memphis is the No. 2 seed while the Warriors hold the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, Golden State had the upper hand going into this series. They are now one game ahead of the Grizzlies and are looking to extend their lead in this series.
Considering Memphis already let one get away on their homecourt, tonight is a must-win for the Grizzlies. Memphis could lose this game, but my gut feeling tells me that they will rise to the occasion. Again, the Grizzlies played solid basketball. Besides Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane who had rough nights from the field, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 30 points (10-18 FG) alongside Ja Morant’s 34 points (45% from the field). If Memphis does lose, I think it will be as close as Game 1. Bane and Brooks had extremely off nights and they should bounce back in Game 2. If they do and Morant continues to play at this elite level, the Grizzlies should tie this series up before heading to Golden State for Game 3.
The Pick: Memphis Grizzlies ML (+110)
NBA Player Props of the Night
Game: Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies +2 (GSW Leads 1-0)
Prop #1: Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 14.5 Points (-120)
After a rough first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaren Jackson Jr. seems to have restored his offensive rhythm. While foul trouble continues to be a concern for the third-year big man, Jackson dropped 30 points in Game 1 despite a very close loss to the Golden State Warriors. Jackson averaged 16.3 points per game this season but with Steven Adams still out of the lineup, Jackson should see extended minutes. Brandon Clarke has been clutch off the bench but the Grizzlies seem to be at their best when Jackson is on the floor. The third-year big man should get plenty of opportunities especially after nailing 6-of-9 shots from beyond the arc in Game 1.
Prop #2: Stephen Curry 4+ Threes (-174)
The only elements that could prevent Curry from draining fewer than four three-pointers in this game are Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole. Both Thompson and Poole have exceeded expectations this postseason (Klay Thompson’s comeback has simply been glorious). Therefore, the only thing that could keep Curry from nailing four threes is the other sharp-shooters on the Warriors getting good open looks from downtown. Steph hit five threes in Game 1 out of 12 attempts. Likewise, Jordan Poole hit five threes while Klay Thompson hit three. Together, Poole, Curry, and Thompson attempted 32 three-pointers in Game 1. Nonetheless, Curry attempted 12 three-pointers and knocked down five of them. If Steph attempts approximately nine three-pointers, he would still have a good chance at hitting at least four of them. If he attempts 10 or more in Game 2, then this prop is practically a lock. Though Steph only shot 38% from downtown this season, he’s a different and much more ferocious player in the postseason. With his experience, reliability, and quick release, he should have no problem hitting at least four three-pointers in Game 2.
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- Grizzlies ML
- Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 14.5 points
- Stephen Curry 4+ Threes
