The result of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals is EXACTLY why you subscribe to the Fantasy Alarm All-Pro package. 99% of the NBA media was calling this an easy win for the Minnesota Timberwolves; even the sportsbooks were. But that wasn’t the case.

 

 

 

Fantasy Alarm NBA Best Bets and Player Props took advantage of the plus odds money line for the Dallas Mavericks and has now won both of the Bet of the Nights for the Conference Finals. It went exactly as predicted: back and forth with several lead changes until the Mavericks pulled away in the fourth quarter. 

Luka Doncic scored 15 of his points in the fourth quarter, and easily cleared 28.5 points. He attempted 10 times from behind the arc, but made only three. That wasn’t the only issue, though. Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves were owned on the glass by the Mavericks. Gobert had only 7 rebounds in 38 minutes on the court, inexcusable from such a great rebounder. 

NBA Picks & Predictions, 5/23: Pacers vs. Celtics Game 2

The second game of the Eastern Conference Finals tips off at 8:00 PM ET at TD Garden. Boston had late game heroics that saved their home court advantage. They were able to come back in overtime and earn the victory Tuesday. Can they win again tonight?

 

 

 

Pacers vs. Celtics Prediction: Myles Turner O7.5 Rebounds (+114 on DraftKings Sportsbook)

Two days ago, this NBA picks column mentioned that Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam are going to be a problem for the Boston Celtics, and they were in Game 1 – particularly Turner. He had a 23 point, 10 rebound double-double game that barely got mentioned. Turner made 75% of his three-point attempts and was a mismatch during his 39 minutes on the floor.

Turner is an under-the-radar center in a small market. The nine-year veteran has drastically improved his three-point making and is one of the best long range scoring centers in the NBA. This benefits his rebounding line as he stretches defenders for offensive boards and blocks out or goes around them for defensive boards. 

Although he averaged just 6.9 rebounds per game in the regular season, and was average against the Knicks, he should continue to have several rebounds in this series. He is 6’ 11” and easily the tallest starting player for either team. The key factor is the amount of field goals this series will see; each team had exactly 99 field goal attempts in Game 1. That is an absurd amount, and yes overtime was a factor in all statistics Tuesday, but that is a ridiculous amount. 

As long as Turner doesn't get in foul trouble, there will be ample rebounding opportunities for him. Both teams could miss more field goal attempts than yesterday, which would help Turner. The fact that his rebounding line is at 7.5 and at plus odds was an opportunity Fantasy Alarm NBA best bets could not pass up on. Put a unit on the former Texas Longhorn to have eight or more rebounds.

 

 

 

Pacers vs. Celtics SGP: Indiana +7.5, Total O221.5 Points, & Jrue Holiday 10+ Points (+300 on Bet365 Sportsbook)

Today’s Same Game Parlay is a mix of teased, straight bets and a player proposition. It is a three-fold parlay that comes in at +300 – not too shabby. The Indiana Pacers spread is currently +9.0 and they have been teased up two points for the purpose of this parlay.

The Pacers are accustomed to playing at the pace displayed in Game 1, although 99 field goals is more than their average. The Celtics are not used to that place, and if they continue to try and play Pacers-style basketball, they are going to be tired in the second half of this series. In fact, they could be tired tonight.

The point total has been teased down three points to 221.5 points. Part of the reason is mentioned above – the Celtics could be tired from a high-tempo overtime game. They are already missing Kristaps Porzingis and the starters are forced to play more minutes than normal. The line yesterday morning was also at 223, and teasing down to below the original line did not severely damper the odds.

Jrue Holiday scored 28 points in Game 1 and is the unspoken hero of the victory. This more than doubled his regular season average of 12.5 points per game. His point line is currently set at 13.5 points and it was very tempting to add the point line instead of the teased down line of 10+ points.

Jrue Holiday played 48 minutes Tuesday, and although that game went to overtime, 48 minutes is the length of a game with no overtime. This means Holiday played all but five minutes of Game 1. Although he is a player who excels in the playoffs, he could be a bit more fatigued than normal. Head coach Joe Mazzulla could give Holiday more breaks in Game 2 as well. 

Teasing Holiday’s point line down by four covers several scenarios and gives the Same Game Parlay a higher chance of success. Put a unit on the teased parlay for tonight’s action. 

Just like in yesterday’s NBA picks writeup, there is a 30% boost available on Bet365 with this ‘Same Game Parlay’. It is a $30.00 max bet with the boost, but if someone wants to place a larger amount, there is the option of placing a second ticket without the boost.

 

 

 

Thanks for your interest in my expert NBA predictions for today's Game 2! Make sure to check out Fantasy Alarm for additional sports bets, exceptional DFS analysis, NFL best ball cheat sheets, and the latest sports news.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All odds accurate at time of writing and NBA bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise