Tips, previews and all you need before a titillating weekend of NBA Conference Finals Action
The BetDeluxe experts take an in-depth look at both games.
Heat vs. Celtics
20th May 10:30am
Never say never when it comes to the Eastern Conference finals, but the Boston Celtics will be incredibly keen to atone for their Game 1 loss to the Heat, going down 116-123 at TD Garden.
Coming in off a seven-game war against the 76ers, the Celtics were unable to maintain the intensity required for the full four quarters, with a 25-46 Q3 the difference between the two sides.
Jimmy Butler was the calming presence required for the Heat with 35 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and a 20-point second half. Five of Butler’s teammates dropped 15+ in an exceptional display of points sharing.
Jayson Tatum continued the scintillating form he showed in Game 7 of the semis with 30 points and seven boards, while Marcus Smart dished out 11 dimes.
The Celtics were the stronger of the two sides for three quarters (91-77 without Q3), and they should be able to learn from their mistakes and level the series before travelling to Miami.
Suggested Bet: Heat to win @ $4.20
Lakers vs. Nuggets
21th May 10:30AM
Can the Lakers stop the Joker? That’s the only thought that will be running through the heads of LeBron James and Darvin Ham as they return home without a win to their name.
The Joker was unstoppable in the series’ opening two games, posting two triple-doubles, including a 23-17-12 performance in their latest outing. The Nuggets trailed the Lakers for most of the night, but a 32-24 fourth quarter cemented the 2-0 start to the Western Conference finals.
Jamal Murray was outstanding with 37 points and 10 assists, making shots when the pressure was on and leading the Nuggets on the offensive end.
LeBron and Anthony Davis combined for 40 points, while Austin Reaves added 22, but it wasn’t enough as the Lakers now set their minds to winning back-to-back games at home.
Suggested Bet: Lakers to win @ $1.45
