Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls
The Cleveland Cavaliers have never lost a series when they’ve been up 2-0, so the Chicago Bulls will have to figure out a way to get even. NBA betting fans know that the series is now back in Chicago, which gives them a bit of an edge, but when you consider the sportsbook odds for Game 3, nobody is really buying that the Bulls have much of a shot in this series.
The Bulls did get a big game from Joakim Noah in Game 2 and it really opened some eyes as to whether the Cavaliers can handle him on the inside. But one of the best things about a playoff series is the fact that teams make adjustments.
The Cavs have a number of big men that they will throw at Noah but the problem for Chicago is they have no answer for LeBron James.
James is an absolute beast and regardless of whether it is Luol Deng, James Johnson or Derrick Rose, the Bulls don’t have an answer.
It’s at this point in the season that Chicago is regretting downsizing at the deadline and getting rid of Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons. Back at home for Game 3, they’ll be competitive but the Cavs will break their backs with a tight win.
Pick: CavaliersLos Angeles Lakers @ Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder were far more competitive in Game 2 but you have to wonder how much better they can play.
The Thunder are not the Lakers. They don’t have the experience, they don’t have the talent and they don’t have the coaching. But even so, they managed to draw even at the three-point line in Game 2, they held the Lakers to just 38% shooting and they blocked 17 shots.
Overall, the Thunder can shoot better themselves but you have to figure that the Lakers can as well.
The Lakers will make an adjustment for Game 3 to make sure that they don’t see as many of their shots rejected but they have to be prepared for the Thunder’s best effort.
Don’t expect either team to run away with this one but the Thunder should be able to play with more of a lead in this contest. Expect them to be a bit more relaxed and confident at home, which will result in a tight Game 3 win.
Pick: ThunderPhoenix Suns @ Portland Trail Blazers
Sports betting fans saw the Phoenix Suns come to life in Game 2 but the question is which style of play will dominate in Game 3?It’s fairly clear that both of these teams offer very contrasting styles. On one hand, the Suns like to get out and run and when they do, they are capable of running the Trail Blazers off the court as they did in their 119-90 victory on Tuesday. On the other hand, when the game is played at a slower, half court pace, the Trail Blazers can find buckets and stops, which led to their 105-100 win in Game 1.
The Trail Blazers are back at home but the Suns are far more comfortable in this series now. They will get some easy baskets on the run in Game 3 and that will be a problem for Portland.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers will labor at times and the Suns will steal back home court advantage.
Pick: Suns
