{"id":13103,"date":"2023-04-19T23:15:43","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T23:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bb-auae-prd-ext-blog-01.azurewebsites.net\/more\/nba-tips-betting-preview-thursday-20-april-2023-bluebet-2-2\/"},"modified":"2023-06-26T11:24:54","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T11:24:54","slug":"nba-tips-betting-preview-thursday-20-april","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prdextblog01.bluebet.com.au\/nba\/nba-tips-betting-preview-thursday-20-april\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Tips & Betting Preview | Thursday 20 April"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Lakers are now 2-0 in the playoffs this season and started this series with a huge 128-112 victory in Game 1. James and Davis both combined for 43 points. But it was all about Reaves and Hachimura. Reaves finished with 23 pts and 3 threes. Meanwhile, Hachimura nailed 5 of 6 three-point attempts in a stunning display. So despite playing on the road, the Lakers are now favourites in Game 2 and they’re 5-1 in their last 6 road games.<\/span><\/p>\n The Grizzlies playoff campaign didn’t start well as they went down to the Lakers in Game 1 and Ja Morant suffered a hand injury. He’s currently 50\/50 to play in Game 2 but it’s probably more on the doubtful side. So the Grizz will need the likes of Jackson Jr. and Bane to lead them to victory. Jackson Jr. played well in Game 1 with 31 pts and 2 blocks. If Morant can’t play, Tyus Jones will likely get the start and he’s performed well when Morant has missed time this season.<\/span><\/p>\n The head-to-head odds are tight in Game 2 as the Ja Morant injury is a factor. However, the points look a bit more predictable in terms of a low-scoring affair this time. The Under has saluted in 10 of the last 11 meetings at this venue and it’s hard to see the Grizzlies defence playing that badly in 2 straight games.<\/span><\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/b><\/p>\n Memphis has won 14 of their last 16 at home. Los Angeles has lost 12 of their last 18 in Memphis.<\/span><\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/b><\/p>\n The Lakers are 3-1 in the season series.<\/span><\/p>\n Best Bet<\/b><\/p>\n Under 227.5 = $1.85<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n The Heat have bounced back nicely from their play-in loss at home against the Hawks with back-to-back wins. They took down the Bucks in Game 1, 130-117 result as Jimmy Butler dominated. He finished with 35 pts and 11 assists in 43 minutes of action. However, a hand injury to Tyler Herro is a big blow as he’ll be out for the next month. So that will open up playing time for the likes of Robinson and Oladipo off the bench.<\/span><\/p>\n The #1 seeded Bucks are coming off a disappointing loss in Game 1 against the Heat but a back injury to Giannis is the talking point. He hurt his lower back in Game 1 after just 11 minutes of action and they couldn’t recover. He’s probably doubtful to play in Game 2 so that will be something to monitor. Bobby Portis has played well when Giannis has missed time this season so he’ll the major beneficiary. Middleton comes off an excellent 33 pt display in Game 1 and that’s a positive sign for the Bucks if Giannis can’t suit up.<\/span><\/p>\n With the uncertainty about Giannis, picking a winner is a tough one. Instead, we loved the look of Jimmy Buckets in Game 1. He scored 35 pts and had a total of 27 field goal attempts. With Herro out injured, he should continue to have similar usage in Game 2 to hit the 30+ point mark again.<\/span><\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/b><\/p>\n Milwaukee has won 16 of their last 21 on their home court. Miami holds a 1-7 record in their last 8 at this venue.<\/span><\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/b><\/p>\nMiami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks (Heat 1-0)<\/b><\/h2>\n