Does it feel like forever ago Tyrese Haliburton hit a last-second shot in Game 1? Well, we’ve had several days in between games, which gave us a little extra time to look at NBA Finals picks for Game 2 on Sunday night – after a perfect three bets to start off this series!
Below are our favorite NBA betting picks for Game 2. Sign up on bet365 Sportsbook to make the following wagers.
NBA Pick #1: Holmgren Under 8.5 rebounds (-105 at Bet365)
Always like to see the books’ reaction to a prop bet from the previous game. In this case, they’ve dropped Chet Holmgren’s 9.5 rebound prop to 8.5, after the big man picked up just six rebounds in the 111-110 Game 1 loss.
It’s now six straight games that Holmgren has gone under the total, and I don’t think it’s going to change much in this series.
Against Denver, he went for 11 boards or more in five of seven contests. Holmgren as forced to stay inside as his matchups were crashing the offensive glass. Now, he’s been guarding out on the perimeter and coming over for help-side coverage, leaving the rest of his teammates to crash the glass.
Offensively, Holmgren is either on the perimeter spacing the floor, or on the business end of an alley-oop inside. Until this role changes, his board numbers won’t.
NBA Pick #2: Nembhard Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (+160 at Bet365)
Andrew Nembhard was one of the catalysts in that remarkable 4th-quarter comeback, most notably drilling a triple over Shai Gilgoeus-Alexander, who was in full contest mode.
That gave Nembhard two makes from beyond the arc. It was the second straight game he’s connected on two moneyballs since his ugly drought against New York, when he scored just 18 points in three games (1-6 from 3pt range).
It was no masterpiece, as he still finished 4-for-11 from the field for 14 points, but the Canadian kid has shown he’s not afraid of the big moments. We’re banking on his shooting stroke carrying him to another pair of three-point makes, giving you a healthy win at plus odds.
NBA Pick #2: Siakam Under 3.5 Three-point Attempts (+115 at Bet365)
Pascal Siakam had his usual sub-20 game after a 30+ point performance, finishing with 19 points in Game 1. One thing that Siakam saw up close for the first time in the playoffs was the Thunder’s incredible man-to-man defense, and even more amazing rotations.
Not only does that mean less one-on-one from the Pacers, but the usual catch-and-shoot threes that are generated by Tyrese Haliburton drives aren’t there, as evidenced by Siakam’s one three-pointer on two attempts.
Pascal has been selective with his shots, averaging just over four attempts from beyond the arc per game in these playoffs.
Taking the under on 3.5 attempts comes at plus odds. With Siakam’s key offensive work in the paint and in the high post, I think less will come from the perimeter.
