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We have yet another NBA Playoff doubleheader on TNT tonight. The first is Game 2 between the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks, where the hosts will be desperate to avoid their second straight home defeat. That will be followed by the much-anticipated battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. These veteran teams with championship credentials will be confident that whoever emerges from this series could go all the way to another ring.
Be sure to take a look at all of our NBA predictions for those games, but for now, let’s get into my NBA first-basket scorer selections.
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Heat vs Knicks first basket best bet: RJ Barrett (+500)
There are a number of injury concerns for both sides heading into Game 2. However, we should still see the same individuals jumping for opening tip. Bam Adebayo for the Miami Heat should jump for the first possession up against Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks. Adebayo got the better of Robinson in Game 1, which evened the score between the pair on the season. With the Knicks having won the opening possession more times during this season than tonight’s visitors and with Robinson having the height advantage, I expect him to regain the lead.
Look for RJ Barrett to take over for the Knicks from there. With Butler looking like he may either not suit up or be playing through injury, the Knicks man will be incentivised to go on the offensive. With Randle and Brunson potentially out for the Knicks, he should be their go-to player tonight. In his last 8 starts he scored the first points for the Knicks twice. Look for him to assert himself early.
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Lakers vs Warriors first basket best bet: Kevon Looney (+1300)
Kevon Looney has had recent success jumping for the opening ball. He was able to get the majority of opening possessions for the Warriors in their series against the Kings and could look to continue that against Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers. They have jumped against each other at tip-off on 3 occasions this season, with Looney prevailing twice. Look for him to continue that.
Do not be surprised to see the Warriors center go on to score the first points of the night. Anthony Davis has been a terrific shot-blocker in these playoffs, averaging 4.3 rejections per game. However, coming over aggressively as a help defender could create lob opportunities at the rim for the Warriors. That is something Looney could thrive on. It could also leave Davis in poor defensive rebounding position. With Looney rankings 2nd in these playoffs among players in offensive rebounds per game, it could be another avenue for him to open the scoring. He did so for the Warriors in 15 of his 77 starts this season and could look to add to that.
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