Vaughn Dalzell breaks down how he’s betting Game 2 between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.
Heat at Knicks (-6.5): O/U 206.5
Game 2 at Madison Square Garden features a bounce back spot for the New York Knicks after losing Game 1, 108-101.
Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle are questionable for the Knicks in Game 2, while Jimmy Butler went from doubtful to a game-time decision for the Heat.
In the postseason, Butler has averaged 35.5 points per game, plus 6.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists, so if he is out, the Knicks should roll. Miami beat Milwaukee in Game 1 during the first round, then lost Game 2 on the road, 138-122.
Miami struggled with 21 first quarter points in Game 1 against New York before making a second quarter run and taking over the third quarter. I expect another quick start from New York, who is the best ATS team in the NBA for first-halves and second-best at home, especially if Butler is out.
The Knicks are 6-0 to the Under in the first half, but with all the players questionable, I will settle for the bounce back spot at home for New York. If Randle and Butler are out, I will likely add an Under to the card.
I lean the 1H Under 105.5, but played the Knicks 1H -4 at -115 odds and the full game -6.5 at -110 odds. If Butler is in, I will update this with the new lines I bet, but I like the Knicks tonight regardless.
Pick: Knicks 1H -4 (Risk 1u), Knicks -6.5 (Risk 1u)
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