After Friday’s dose of the Game 3 conference semifinals, Saturday brings another doubleheader with massive implications. With the second-round series between the Knicks and Heat and the Warriors and Lakers tied 1-1, and the home court moving to the bottom seed, tonight’s slate will speak volumes about who is really in charge. of each game.
During the NBA Playoffs, AthleticismThe writers will make their direct choices. Here you’ll find picks, coverage and the latest odds. Our in-depth NBA coverage is linked under the picks. For live NBA odds from BetMGM, click here.
Here is the recap.
No. 8 Heat vs. No. 5 Knicks
3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
What are the Heat’s odds against the Knicks?
Series tied 1-1
Series ratings: Heat -115, Knicks -105
I hope you haven’t forgotten this series during its three-day layoff. Because the first two games were great fun and it should be a slugfest going forward.
To recap: Miami stole Game 1 at Madison Square Garden against a Knicks team without Julius Randle, but lost Jimmy Butler to a bad ankle twist in the process. Butler missed Game 2 while Randle returned – and brought Jessica Alba with him – to, with a possibly hobbled Jalen Brunson, propel the hosts to a 111-105 series win.
Butler’s status has yet to be officially announced for Game 3, but according to training videos in an empty gym posted on social media, he is feeling better. Brunson, meanwhile, was kept out of parts of Knicks practice on Thursday with a lingering ankle injury after dropping 30 points on Tuesday, so keep an eye out for updates there as well.
Health considerations aside, the Heat are favored for Game 3 and ultimately win the series, but it was a wild affair the last time these teams faced off in Miami, punctuated by an unlikely Game-winner Randle:
Expert picks for Heat vs Knicks
Lakers No. 7 vs warriors #6
8:30 p.m. ET on ABC
What are the Lakers’ odds against the Warriors?
Series tied 1-1
Series ratings: Warriors -125, Lakers +105
With Thursday’s result, home teams that lost a Game 1 have now won 16 straight Game 2s – and with a margin of victory of 27 points, the Warriors did it easily.
It was an overall rout that saw Klay Thompson catch fire 30-for-8 on 11 3-pointers and the Warriors jump ahead winning the second and third quarters by a combined score of 84-47. Game 2 also saw Steve Kerr make a surprise adjustment by slipping JaMychal Green into the starting lineup on Kevon Looney in a bid to space the floor – and the veteran Green responded with 15 points and three 3-pointers.
Back at home, the Lakers are favorites in Game 3. But the Warriors should feel good with the pressure points they discovered decreasing in Game 1 and throughout Game 2.
Another trend to follow is the fluctuating production of Anthony Davis. He was stellar in Game 1 with 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists and four blocks, but was just 11-7-4 and three blocks in Game 2. When in play, his size and his interior defense can be the difference in this game, so Los Angeles will have to get him back on track.
Expert picks for Lakers vs Warriors
Learn more about the NBA Playoffs
Why New York is in the zone against Miami’s defense
Thompson: Warriors take Game 2 with Strength in Numbers vibes
Anthony Davis’ offensive inconsistency continues as Lakers crushed by Warriors in Game 2
(Photo by Klay Thompson: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
