Larry's Picks (4 Live)
With Mark Williams ruled out again, it will be up to Oso Ighodaro to battle the Thunder bigs. He went scoreless in Game 1, but he hustled his way to nine rebounds -- seven on the offensive glass. He also dished out three assists. Phoenix will emphasize ball movement in Game 2 after producing just 16 assists (against 17 turnovers) in Game 1. Look for Ighodaro to hit double digits on this combo prop.
Ausar Thompson is the NBA's best perimeter defender, and there are calls for JB Bickerstaff to give him more than the 25 minutes he saw in Game 1. Thompson played just nine minutes in the second half as Bickerstaff felt he needed more scoring to make up the deficit vs. Orlando. Expect the Pistons to lead for much of Game 2, which could get Thompson closer to 30 minutes. Either way, I love Thompson to clear this prop total. He had 15 potential rebounds and five potential assists in Game 1, and the Pistons rely on his energy. Look for Thompson to clear this number for the ninth time in his last 10 games. I would also go Over 8.5 at even money or better.
Detroit looked rusty in Game 1 and Orlando took advantage, winning 112-101. The Pistons had two days to stew on that result. Expect them to come out with a different level of intensity Wednesday and for Cade Cunningham's supporting cast to get involved early. I'm backing the desperate home team to lead by at least five at halftime.
There is optimism Rockets leading scorer Kevin Durant (knee) will play Tuesday, although he is listed as a gametime decision. Either way, I like Houston to bounce back. Houston allowed the Lakers to shoot 61 percent overall Sunday, with Luke Kennard going 5 for 5 from deep. The Rockets ranked sixth in defensive rating during the regular season, and it wasn't because of Durant. They'll adjust defensively and shoot better Tuesday.
Some of the Trail Blazers looked awed by the moment in Game 1, but not Scoot Henderson. He scored 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and was only minus-3 in a game his team lost by 13. Henderson had the best plus-minus of any Portland starter. Henderson, the former No. 3 overall pick, averaged 14.2 points this season. Even though this is a tough defensive matchup, I expect him to play around 30 minutes and score at least 11 points.
Jayson Tatum grabbed 11 rebounds in Game 1, playing just 32 minutes because it was a blowout. Another Celtics' massacre is certainly a possibility. Otherwise, this line might be 10.5. Either way, I have to keep betting this prop. In his last eight games against teams not named Charlotte, Tatum has posted 11-plus rebounds each time. Philly gives up the 8th-most rebounds and remains without Joel Embiid. The 76ers are a far cry from the Hornets, who gave up the fewest rebounds per game.
This number has dropped to 9.5 at multiple books but I am also good going Over 10.5 at plus money. Nikola Jokic had 11 assists on 21 potential assists in Game 1, right in line with how he performed vs. Minnesota in the regular season. He is very comfortable facing Rudy Gobert and is happy to set up his teammates instead of bulling his way to the basket. Look for more of the same in Game 2.
Onyeka Okongwu (knee inflammation) participated in Monday's shootaround, a good sign for his availability in this critical Game 2. The Hawks desperately need him as they remain without Jock Landale. While Atlanta isn't going to slow down Karl-Anthony Towns, the Hawks can play faster than they did in Game 1. That should lead to more more production from their top two scorers, Jalen Johnson and Nickiel Alexander-Walker; they shot a combined 14 for 36 in Game 1. After they got outscored by 13 points at the foul line in the series opener, look for the Hawks to be much more aggressive Monday.
Raptors reserve Sandro Mamukelashvili grabbed eight rebounds in the Game 1 loss at Cleveland. He had two assists, a steal and zero turnovers. He was only minus-4 in a game his team lost by 13. With Jakob Poeltl struggling against Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Toronto turned to Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles for 20 minutes apiece. In the three regular-season meetings with the Cavs, Mamukelashvili grabbed six, five and nine rebounds. I like his chances Monday of getting to five rebounds at plus money.
With Immanuel Quickley sidelined again, Scottie Barnes is Toronto's best distributor. He had seven assists in Game 1 and we could see similar production in Game 2, especially with the Raptors likely to emphasize Brandon Ingram's scoring. With Toronto in desperation mode, look for Barnes to play 35 or more minutes and deliver a strong all-around game.
Portland didn't have to face Victor Wembanyama this season, so Game 1 could be a rude awakening. Wemby has been cleaning the glass very efficiently lately. And whenever he plays substantial minutes -- like he should Sunday -- he's been an effective distributor as well. Portland likes to play a fast pace, which should only increase Wemby's opportunities.