The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers will square off against each other in Game 2 of the 2020 NBA Finals on Friday, October 2, so we have prepared all the team news, betting tips, and trends you need to know along with our best betting pick.
The Lakers took the first blood and dismantled Miami 116-98 last Wednesday. It was their fifth straight victory over the Heat, and the Lakers will look to stay on the winning path, but their rivals will give everything they have to tie the series, for sure.
Injuries/Suspensions
While the Lakers can count on all their players, the Heat have some serious injury problems. Goran Dragic suffered a foot injury in the opener and is doubtful to play again in the finals, while Bam Adebayo aggravated his shoulder and neck injuries.
Adebayo is doubtful to play Friday, and his eventual absence would be a massive blow for Miami. We’ll get there.
The Line
The Lakers won the opener as 4.5-point favorites, but they are listed as 9.5-point favorites in this one, according to DraftKings. The totals sit at 216.5 points on BetAmerica after Game 1 went in the under of a 217.5-point total.
What’s at Stake?
Only four teams have ever overcome a 2-0 deficit in the NBA Finals, and one of those was the 2006 Miami Heat. However, I don’t think this Miami team would be capable of completing such a feat.
This is a huge game, probably the crucial one for the outcome of the 2020 NBA Finals.
The Spot
I’ve said that LA dismantled Miami in Game 1, and that statement might be too gentle. The Lakers led by as many as 32 points. The Heat had a 23-10 lead after 5:38 of play in the first quarter, and the Lakers outscored them 55-25 for the rest of the first half.
The Lakers hit 15 triples out of 38 attempts while going 9-for-11 from deep in the final 16 minutes of the first half. They outrebounded the Heat (54-36) and handed out three assists more than their opponents (26-23).
So, it’s easy to say who’s at a better spot, not to mention those injuries among the Heat.
The Matchup
Interestingly, the Heat outscored the Lakers in the paint (46-38) which was a huge surprise. However, Miami shot only 42.7% from the field and 31.4% from downtown.
The Heat couldn’t find a way to deal with Anthony Davis, and The Brow scored 34 points in his NBA Finals debut. LeBron James had a big game, too, accounting for 25 points, 13 boards, and nine assists while committing only a couple of turnovers.
On the other side, Jimmy Butler, who’s also dealing with a foot injury, had 23 points and five assists. Duncan Robinson missed all his three shots; Jae Crowder had a -21 rating in 25 minutes on the floor, while Andre Iguodala had -25 in 25 minutes, too.
At least, a couple of rookies, Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn, combined for 32 points on 14-for-29 shooting from the field.
The Heat have to continue fighting and try to do a better job on Anthony Davis and LeBron James. They need way more from Iguodala and Crowder, but with an injured Adebayo, the Heat will be in dire straits.
The Bets
The Heat have some young and inexperienced guys in their rotation, while the Lakers rely on some proven veterans. And with all the injury woes, I don’t think the Heat will be able to win one game in this series.
On the other hand, this 9.5-point spread is sharp, and I suggest you buy a few points whoever you want to take. I assume the Lakers won’t be as hot as they were in the opener. They don’t normally make nine triples out of 11 shots.
Still, I would rather take the Lakers to cover a 6.5-point spread than teasing Miami. The Heat will stand a chance only if they shoot the ball very well, especially from the perimeter.