The first games have been played and adjustments were made. While the series are far from over, the second games matter a lot because it will set the mood for the second leg at the opponents’ home grounds.
Expect the winning teams to bring their A-game and the chasers to put it all on the line to equalise the series. For the sports betting fan, it means more exciting betting odds and bigger winnings.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Toronto Raptors (April 19, 07:00 GMT+8)
The Bucks enjoyed a strong victory at Toronto thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stellar leadership and the brilliant game plan of Jason Kidd to stop Kyle Lowry from regaining his groove. While Dwane Casey cried foul on many of Matthew Dellavedova’s screens and defence, he needs to instilla renewed ferocity in his team.
Expect Lowry and team-mate DeMar DeRozan to come in hot and score buckets for the Raptors. Jason Kidd needs to find a way to continue disrupting Lowry so they can come back to Milwaukee with a 2-0 series lead.
I think Toronto will win this match, as their bench is a tad deeper than the Bucks’. However, I don’t see them winning by more than five points, so punters should mull over betting Milwaukee Asian Handicap +7.00 @ 2.02.
Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics (April 19, 08:00 GMT+8)
The TD Garden is still feeling the hurt of Isaiah Thomas and will be sticking with him throughout these playoffs.
Despite losing his sister to a single-car accident, the Celtic played big for the team and scored 33 points. However, his heroics weren’t enough to take down Jimmy Butler and the Chicago Bulls.
Expect Brad Stevens and the rest of the C’s to come out of the gate roaring to play and help their bereaved star. Of course, Jimmy Butler and company will be more than ready for the challenge; Dwyane Wade said that he’d be more than ready to carry the burden of closing the game if Butler gets gassed.
Emotions will be high in Boston, and I expect the C’s to even the series. The game will be close but betting on Boston -7.00 @ 1.96 should be decent enough.
Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Clippers (April 19, 07:00 GMT+8)
Many saw the first game as an easy victory for Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers after Rudy Gobert went down with a knee injury. However, the Jazz gave them the shock of their lives after beating them by a hair at the end of regulation.
It is impressive for the Jazz to stop Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan without Gobert. However, Gordon Hayward will be doing a bit of carrying if Rudy won’t be suiting up for Game 2.
The Clippers will be focused and will want to go to Salt Lake City with an even series on their hands. This game will still be an entertaining watch, but the Clippers will be going to Utah with the second game of the series. This game will still be close, so punters should choose Utah +8.50 @ 2.04.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
