Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors tips off from The Chase Center in San Francisco at 8pm ET on ABC. The Celtics will look to build off their fourth quarter surge from Game 1, which powered them to a road win, while Golden State needs to bounce back from a dismal fourth quarter performance.
The Betting Angles
Tonight’s line is set with Golden State at -4.5 with a -175 moneyline, while Boston is +4.5 with a +155 moneyline.
Why Golden State can win and cover -4.5
The Warriors are 5-1 against the spread immediately following a loss. They also have a player named Stephen Curry, who showed in Game 1 that he can torch any defender at any given time, as he erupted for 21 first quarter points. Klay Thompson had a decent game, but the sharpshooter has the ability to torch Boston on any given night, especially on his home court. Jordan Poole is also a player who is better offensively at home, so a bounce back game from him would be a huge for Golden State as well. For the most part, the Warriors' defense was solid, especially on Jayson Tatum who they limited to just 12 points. They’ll have to do a better job closing out on Boston’s shooters tonight, but a bounce back game from Golden State is a must have before heading to Boston for Games 3 and 4.
Why Boston can win and cover +4.5
Boston proves time and time again that their entire roster can contribute and come up clutch when they’re needed most. Derrick White and Al Horford had tremendous games, specifically in the fourth quarter to pick up for Tatum’s slack, while Jaylen Brown was his typical self scoring 24 points. Boston’s versatility has been crucial to their success in this playoff run. Expect Jayson Tatum to bounce back in tonight on both ends of the floor. If Boston’s role players continue to perform as they have been recently they could be headed home with a 2-0 series lead.
The Pick: Take Golden State -4.5
While the series is still young, the Warriors can not afford to go down 0-2 in this series heading on the road. Golden State has been in this position many times in their dynasty years, so expect a bounce back game from the Splash Bros. and company tonight to tie up the series at 1 game a piece.
