NBA Basketball
2013-05-08 - Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Wednesday 8 May 2013 - Tip Off 7pm
Midnight (British Time)
Preview
The NBA Play Offs can always spring a surprise when you least expect it and that was the case when the Chicago Bulls beat the Miami Heat in Game 1 of this series and stole home court advantage. It was a surprise considering the amount of injuries that the Bulls had in their squad and the fact that they have only completed their First Round series a couple of days earlier, but they finished hard in Game 1 to grab the win.
Miami could perhaps point to a little bit of rust in their play as they missed a number of open shots, but they also looked a little tired in the fourth quarter as they gave up 35 points to the Bulls. However, there won't be any panic in a squad that had to win a road game in Indiana and Boston last season to avoid being knocked out of the Play Offs on the way to win their first Championship since the big three got together.
There were a couple of very disappointing statistics for Miami to take out of the first game as they scored their lowest total in the first quarter in any game this season (15). The Heat also had their second lowest percentage from the field this season and allowed the joint most points in the fourth quarter as they have at any point this season.
Both teams have now been talking about the importance of Game 2- Miami know they can't afford to travel to Chicago in a 0-2 hole, while the Bulls are hoping they can take advantage of any doubts and put themselves in a commanding position.
Despite stealing home court, it is clear that the Bulls are not happy just yet, although there isn't any help expected off the bench for them in this one. Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich continue to miss time and both are questionable for the game on Friday in Chicago and the Bulls have to win 3 straight road games for the first time in five months if they are to win this game.
Head to Head
The Chicago Bulls now lead the season series 3-2 against the Miami Heat.
Importantly, they have won 2 of their 3 games played in Miami.
Prediction
Anyone who saw the first game of this series will have noticed that Miami missed a lot of open looks at the basket and if they have their eye in, it could be tough for Chicago to stay within the spread.
The short turnaround should give the Heat a chance to be a little less rusty than they were for Game 1 and I do think we will see more points in this one than we did on Monday.
The Pick :
Miami Heat 103-94 Chicago Bulls
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 186.5 Points @ 1.95
