On Wednesday night, the Charlotte Hornets return to American Airlines Arena to take on the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. The Heat dismantled Charlotte in Game 1, winning 123-91, as the Heat controlled the interior all night long. Luol Deng dropped 31 points on the Hornets, going 11 for 13, and Hassan Whiteside posted 21 points and 11 boards in his first playoff game. Dwyane Wade added 16 points in 26 minutes. The Heat put up 41 points in the first period, a franchise record, and never were behind in this game. Be sure to check out for more NBA betting odds by clicking here.
Charlotte at Miami Game 2 NBA Playoffs Betting Preview
When: Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 7:00pm Eastern time
Where: American Airlines Arena
TV: SUN, FSSE, NBAtv
Radio: Charlotte / MiamiLive Stream: NBA.comNBA Odds: TBA
Why Should You Bet on Charlotte?
I wouldn’t look at this Game 1 result as a sign that the Heat are heading for a sweep. After all, Oklahoma City beat Dallas by 38 in Game 1 — and then lost Game 2, also at home. Remember that Charlotte has had some success against Miami this year. If the Hornets can mount some more resistance on the inside, they won’t watch Deng and Whiteside put in basket after basket — which will help in their motivation and keep the Heat from building a huge lead with easy shots. If Kemba Walker can find a hot shooting hand in Game 2, this could easily be a 1-1 series going back north.
Why Should You Put Your Money on the Heat?
A lot of people thought that the Heat were vulnerable in this series, but Game 1 showed that they can show balance on offense and put together a smothering attack on defense, as they did when they mounted a furious comeback in the season’s second half to clinch the Southeast Division title on the last day of the regular season. They shot 57.6% from the floor, and once they got out to a big lead they kept it — which had been a bit of an Achilles heel for them this season. Charlotte had won their last game at American Airlines Arena, on March 17, storming back from a 15-point disadvantage to steal a win. The Heat appear to have the focus to take Game 2 as well.
Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction
I like the Heat to polish off Charlotte again and have the 2-0 advantage when the series moves to Charlotte, because the Hornets won’t be able to answer Deng and Whiteside in the paint. I’m predicting a 102-94 Heat win.
