We’re approaching the midpoint of the 2019-20 conference finals in the NBA playoffs. The Los Angeles Lakers lead the Denver Nuggets, 2-0, in their best-of-seven series, while the Miami Heat continue their stunning run through the postseason, leading the Boston Celtics by a 2-1 margin. The teams have Monday night off, and then the Lakers face the Nuggets in Game 3 on Tuesday night, followed by the Celtics and the Heat taking the court for Game 4 on Wednesday night.
Don’t miss our NBA betting thoughts on these two series as the league approaches the end of this bizarre season.
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The Latest Rundown on the NBA Playoffs of the 2020 Season
L.A. Lakers vs Denver Nuggets
Tuesday, September 22
9:00 pm ET, TNT
The Lakers had the same pattern in their first two series wins — dropping the first game in almost alarming fashion, only to figure out the opposition and run off four straight wins. So while the Nuggets were coming back from yet another 3-1 deficit to send the L.A. Clippers home in seven games, the Lakers were resting up after a five-game win over Houston.
You could see the difference in energy levels in Game 1 of the West finals, which the Lakers won in a laugher. Game 2 was a lot more interesting, as Nikola Jokic put the Nuggets on his back. He scored 30 points, including 11 in the last 2:42 of the game. However, it was Anthony Davis who had the last laugh, draining a three-pointer to win the game at the buzzer, 105-103. So now the Nuggets would have to win four of five to eliminate the Lakers and get to the conference finals.
The Nuggets trailed by 16 early in the third period, and they were still down eight with 3:03 left on the clock in regulation. Finally, Jokic was able to find some space — or find some open shooters when the double-teams came. However, the Lakers may just have too many great scorers on their roster for Denver to come back at this point. I wouldn’t bet against Denver in Game 3, though.
Lakers vs Nuggets | Check the Odds
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat
Wednesday, September 23
8:30 pm ET, ESPN
In Games 1 and 2, the Boston Celtics collapsed down the stretch and lost to the Heat. After both games, there was loud yelling coming from the Boston locker room. Finally, they played a complete 48 minutes and delivered a 117-106 win in Game 3 on Saturday. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, and he had seven boards, five assists, three steals and a block. After giving up a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in Game 1 and a 15-point third-quarter lead in Game 2, the Celtics needed to finish.
The difference for Boston was a commitment to attacking the rim instead of settling for jump shots. Boston had a 60-36 edge in points in the paint in Game 3, which kept the Heat from threatening. Another difference was the return of Gordon Hayward. He sprained his ankle (a Grade 3 sprain, no less) in the fourth period of Boston’s Game 1 win over Philadelphia in the first round. He only played six points and five boards, but he was able to play 31 minutes and keep the rotation more consistent. Since he had left the bubble to get injury treatment, he won’t be leaving again for the birth of his fourth child. Can Boston keep the momentum going in their direction? They have controlled significant portions of all three games, the first team that Miami has faced in these playoffs to do so. I like Boston in Game 4.
Celtics vs Heat | Check the Odds
