NBA Best Bets Today (Predictions for Celtics-Warriors, Fade Jordan Poole in Game 2 of NBA Finals)

Game 2 of the NBA Finals is as critical as they come for Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors after they dropped the opening game of the series to the Boston Celtics. 

The Celtics rode a monster fourth quarter to erase a double-digit deficit in Game 1, and they now have home court advantage in the series. 

Golden State was undefeated at home in the playoffs prior to its loss in Game 1, so Steve Kerr is hoping his group can bounce back and even the series tonight. 

I have a trio of picks, including one on the spread for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

All odds via WynnBET Sportsbook:

NBA Best Bets Record to Date

• NBA Best Bets Record: 256-234-6 (+9.2199 units)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.

NBA Best Bets Today

• Boston Celtics +4 vs. Golden State Warriors (-110)
• Jaylen Brown UNDER 24.5 Points (-125)
• Jordan Poole UNDER 13.5 Points (-105)

Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors: Celtics +4 (-110)

If you’ve been following my picks these playoffs, you know I’ve bet the Celtics at almost every chance, especially as underdogs. 

Boston’s defense has been the great equalizer all postseason, and the team won Game 1 despite star Jayson Tatum shooting just 3-for-17 from the field. 

Granted, Boston’s role guys (everyone not named Tatum and Jaylen Brown) shot a combined 30-for-45 from the field in Game 1, but a good Tatum game could offset the regression from those players. 

The Warriors, meanwhile, are struggling to find offense with Jordan Poole being unable to hold his own on defense and Draymond Green shooting 2-for-12. I think Boston at least keeps this game close.

Jaylen Brown UNDER 24.5 Points (-125)

Jaylen Brown scored exactly 24 points in Game 1, hitting the under his prop at this number, and I’m going back to the well as long as oddsmakers continue to hang this line at 24.5.

In 19 playoff games, Brown has cleared 24.5 points just five times and he’s failed to clear this number in seven of his last nine games. 

The Celtics are going to get Brown touches and shots, but it’s hard to fade this trend after it’s hit at such a high clip this postseason. 

Jordan Poole UNDER 13.5 Points (-105)

Early in the playoffs, I was the biggest Jordan Poole backer, but he’s faded as of late and may need to spend more time on the bench in Game 2. 

Poole was a liability on defense in Game 1, and the Warriors can’t afford to give up easy points to Boston, especially if Poole isn’t scoring. 

Poole was minus-19 in 25 minutes in Game 1, and I don’t think he gets a ton of easy buckets against this Boston team in a potentially decreased role.