Game 1 of the NBA Finals was one for the books, as Tyrese Haliburton once again pulled off some magic. The Thunder were ahead the whole game, but then lost on a shot that put the Pacers ahead by one point with less than a second left. Despite all the memorable moments, the game-winner, and heartbreak, all the best bets from Game 1 of the NBA Finals hit. Now, onto the next one. Here are my three best bets for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
Best Prop Bets in Game Two of the NBA Finals
*All Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers odds are courtesy of DraftKings as of Saturday night.
Isaiah Joe: Over 4.5 Points (-105)
The last time the Thunder lost on a buzzer-beater, they won the next game by 43 points. This was against the Denver Nuggets on May 7. If history repeats itself, it means Isaiah Joe is due for a big game. In that blowout win, Joe had 14 points in 17 minutes of action. He also averages 5.2 points per game on only 10.6 minutes of action a night in this year’s playoffs.
Joe also scored five points in the Game 1 loss. If Joe can play during the first half and then get garbage time during a potential blowout, this line should hit easily. The only way it would not is if the Pacers hang in again and make it a close contest in Game 2.
Tyrese Haliburton: Under 8.5 Assists (-140)
We are riding this bet from Game 1 again. The Thunder forced an astonishing 24 turnovers and took Haliburton out of the game most of the time. This is a best bet for Game 2 because the Thunder defense thrives against guard-centered offenses. The Pacers rely heavily on Haliburton to start the offense. In the entire first half, Haliburton was mostly invisible, thanks to the defense from Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace.
Oklahoma City will likely follow the same defensive game plan, which worked most of the game. This means the “superstar” in Indiana should have another rough time racking up assists. He could finish with six or seven, but no more than eight. Some of this is due to the game being a potential blowout and Haliburton not playing because of it. The other reason is that this defense in Oklahoma City is so darn good.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Under 34.5 Points (-120)
Yes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just scored 38 points in Game 1. However, he did play 40 minutes and take 30 shots. He can still score 30 points in Game 2, but the Thunder’s offensive game plan will change. Not to mention, Indiana will focus on getting the ball out of Gilgeous-Alexander’s hands in Game 2. These factors are why this is a best bet for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
You have to double-team him to stop Shai and hope his teammates will have another off night. In recent games, though, the Thunder rotation has come out firing after a blowout. So Gilgeous-Alexander may not be scoring as much, but he will also get assists. I am not telling anyone to take the over on his 7.5 assist line, but it has good value at +110. The Pacers will force the Thunder role players to score and force Jalen Williams to beat you. Yes, the MVP will have another great game, but scoring more than 34 points in Game 2 of the NBA Finals will be difficult.
Photo credit: © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The post Best Bets For Game 2 of the NBA Finals appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.