NBA Basketball
2013-05-24 - Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Friday 24 May 2013 - Tip Off 8:30pm
1:30am (British Time)
Preview
If the Eastern Conference Finals go the way of Game 1, this could be a really fun series to watch no matter how long it lasts. The first game had a lot of drama and ended with a buzzer beating layup from LeBron James to give the Miami Heat a one point win and a 1-0 lead in the series.
It was a close game throughout with neither team having more than a seven point lead at any point, while Paul George hit a miracle three pointer in the final seconds of regulation to send the game into overtime. It looked like a foul in overtime to send George to the free throw line to hit three shots was going to help the Pacers steal home court advantage before James took the game for Miami.
The big question was why Frank Vogel decided to keep Roy Hibbert off the floor towards the end of overtime, especially as he is the premier rim protector for the Pacers. The fact that James was able to get past George for the easy lay up meant Vogel took a lot of criticism, especially as those who take their shots about LeBron in the clutch had nothing to go on.
Both teams have taken confidence from the first game, but they also feel there is a lot of room for improvement. Indiana found enough offense to be competitive throughout and Vogel believes that has got his team believing they can beat Miami.
On the other hand, Miami will feel they can get more production from their bench players in Norris Cole, Ray Allen and Shane Battier who combined for 2/16 from the line. Shooting the three pointer will also be something both teams will feel they can improve on, while the teams had 41 turnovers combined in Game 1, far above their season averages.
Like last season, there is every chance this series could begin to cross the line and 58 personal fouls, with plenty coming on the offenses, suggests it is getting chippy. Roy Hibbert also criticised Shane Battier for 'dirty play' when he appeared to knee the Center in the groin region on a drive in the first half.
Mario Chalmers missed much of the second half after suffering a shoulder injury, but he is expected to take his place in the starting lineup for Game 2.
Head to Head
The season series is now tied at 2-2 thanks to the Heat's late win, and Miami have won both home games.
Miami have won 3 in a row at home since losing Game 2 in the Semi Final series last season.
Prediction
Game 1 was fascinating and I think it is hard to tell how the teams will react with little time between the first two games of the series.
However, I think the total points should go over in this one- it took a miracle three pointer for the game to go over in Game 1, but the defenses could be a little more tired with little rest and could leave room for more open shots in Game 2.
I expect both to look after the ball a little more in this one and that should give both more chances to score the points to help surpass the total and that is also 6-1 in the last 7 games when these teams play one another.
The Pick :
Miami Heat 95-89 Indiana Pacers
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 180.5 Points @ 1.95
