The Los Angeles Lakers enter Game 2 of the NBA Finals as 9.5-point favorites with Miami’s Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo doubtful to play. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
- After an 18-point loss in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat will now likely be without two key players as Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic both went down and are doubtful for Game 2
- When news of their potential absence dropped, the line immediately moved a 1.5 points in the Lakers favor to a 9.5-point spread
- Can the Heat still even up the series despite the absences of two leading scorers? Get the odds and preview below
With Goran Dragic suffering a torn plantar fascia and Bam Adebayo dealing with a shoulder strain, two of the Heat’s three best players are unlikely to play in Friday’s Game 2.
Because of this, the latest Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers odds is favoring LA by 9.5 points, after they had been 8-point favorites earlier in the day.
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Finals Game 2 Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Heat | +9.5 (-108) | +340 | Ov 216 (-110) |
| Los Angeles Lakers | -9.5 (-112) | -430 | Un 216 (-110) |
Odds taken October 1st from FanDuel
Heat on the Verge of Going Into 2-0 Hole
Miami simply had no answer for James and Anthony Davis on Wednesday night. AD led the Lakers with 34 points and nine rebounds, while the King also dropped 25 and dished out nine assists.
Without Adebayo in the lineup especially, the Heat are going to have a difficult time containing Davis. Bam literally does everything imaginable on the court for Erik Spoelstra’s team and with him missing, there’s going to be a massive hole in their entire approach against the Lakers.
Kelly Olynyk will play in Adebayo’s spot, but he doesn’t provide even close to the same amount of production.
Dragic hasn’t ruled out returning at some point in this series after injuring his foot, but he’s most likely out for Game 2. The Slovenian played just 14 minutes, but he’s been extremely important to their offense in the playoffs.
Dragic brings experience and the ability to score from all over the floor to this Heat team. However, rookie Kendrick Nunn stepped up in his place in Game 1, dropping 18 points in just 19 minutes – albeit mostly in garbage time.
AD Leads the Way in Game 1
The Lakers shot an impressive 40 percent from the three-point line in the series opener, going 15 for 38 from long range. Miami had no answer for the one-two punch of Davis and James. LA led by 32 at one point, after going down by 13 in the first quarter.
The Heat were able to outscore the Lakers 31-23 in the fourth, but it was too little too late. It was an all-around team effort for Frank Vogel’s team, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, and Danny Green all scoring in double-digits as well.
AD took full advantage of a smaller Miami lineup once Adebayo exited, pulling up and hitting mid-range jumpers and using his size to drive to the hoop and finish.
Best Bet
I honestly don’t give the Heat much of a chance in Game 2. Jimmy Butler was still impressive in the opener with 23 points, but he needs his supporting cast of Dragic and especially Adebayo. Nunn provided solid output, but without Bam, who is arguably Miami’s most impactful player, it’s going to be very difficult beating LA.
The Lakers are a safe bet to meet the spread and take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers -9.5(-112)
Quinn Allen is a sports journalist, with a background and education in broadcast journalism (BCIT ’17). He writes about European Football, Basketball, and Baseball for numerous sites across the globe.
source https://casinonewsblogger.com/with-dragic-and-adebayo-doubtful-lakers-now-9-5-point-favorites-over-heat-in-finals-game-2/
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