Heat vs. Lakers Game 2 Prediction
Following the Lakers’ romp over the Heat in Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals, oddsmakers have inflated the point spread to 9.5 for Game 2 tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET. Will Miami at least cover the number as it attempts to even the series?
Game Snapshot
715 Miami Heat (+9.5) vs. 716 Los Angeles Lakers (-9.5); o/u 216.5
9:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Game 2, NBA Finals
Miami Heat DFS Spin
Jimmy Butler (sprained left ankle) said on Thursday that he will play in Friday’s game vs. the Lakers. Butler sprained his ankle during the first half of Wednesday’s loss, but he remained in the game and did not depart until late. So it should come as no surprise that he fully anticipates being available for Game 2. That’s huge news for the Heat, as both Bam Adebayo (neck) and Goran Dragic (foot) are listed as doubtful after leaving the series opener early due to their respective injuries.
Los Angeles Lakers DFS Spin
LeBron James (sore right groin) finished the Lakers’ Game 1 win vs. the Heat with 25 points (9-of-17 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), 13 rebounds, nine assists and one steal in 36 minutes. The Lakers have listed guys as ‘probable’ on their injury report for the past two years, and they always play. LeBron’s groin injury is either make-believe or extremely minor, and there’s no way he’s sitting out a Finals game. With the opportunity to lead a third franchise to an NBA title, win or lose, we’re going to see a legendary player going all out for at least three more games. Enjoy it.
Heat vs. Lakers Game 1 Betting Prediction
Even though they let me down in Game 1, I’m sticking with the Heat at least in terms of the betting window. They’re still 12-4 against the spread in their last 16 games and have covered in eight of their last 11 games when playing on one day of rest. I know they’re banged up but they’ve been such a good bet, including going 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog, that I’m not going to jump ship now. The Lakers, meanwhile, are 1-4 against the spread in their last five home games versus a team with a losing road record.
2020 NBA FINALS BETTING PREDICTION: MIAMI HEAT +9.5