Two days later, and the Heat are ready to battle the Lakers in Game 2. They will hope to put Game 1 out of their heads, though, as not a single thing went right for them following a hot start, which forced two Lakers timeouts. If they want to make it a series, they need to win on Friday.
The only issue with that Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic are both likely out. The team had to play without Dragic often in recent years, but Adebayo is totally irreplaceable. His energy on both sides of the floor makes his impact impossible to replicate from anyone else on the team.
On the other hand, the Lakers just keep playing their game, and the Heat may be the latest victim. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are terrific leaders, with the supporting cast showing up as needed. Danny Green started making shots in Game 1, a trend that could make this a breeze for the Lakers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was also stroking it like he was JJ Redick.
ODDS:
The Lakers are 9.5-point favorites. The over/under is set at 216.
Miami Trying to Dig Deep
With two of their top postseason players both unlikely to suit up, the “other” guys will need to step up. When you build a roster, you do it with situations like this in mind.
This is a golden opportunity for Kendrick Nunn, who poured in 18 points in garbage time minutes during Game 1. And also for Meyers Leonard, who has hardly played this postseason.
The last playoff game in which Leonard got serious minutes, he scored a career-high 29 points and pulled in 12 rebounds against the Warriors (2019 WCF). And if Tyler Herro wants to show he’s truly no ordinary rookie, he can score 30+ to offset his historically bad Game 1 effort.
Jimmy Butler will need to step up and lead by example, looking to score frequently. Erik Spoelstra will definitely have a few tricks up his sleeve.
Lakers Eying 2-0 Lead
They dropped Game 1 twice this postseason, and it was Game 3 against Denver. They are 3-0 in Game 2’s, and the odds seem to point toward this being a 4-0 mark.
Davis and James have been tough to stop, as they continued to make their mark in a big way in game 1. Without Adebayo out there, Jae Crowder will continue to be the primary matchup for Davis.
The role players were making their shots. Green and Alex Caruso’s ability to hit a few threes each was huge, and Caldwell Pope was out there shooting like he’s the best in the NBA. Markieff Morris did a good job spreading the floor and contributing, too.
What more can you ask of the Lakers now? They don’t have too many holes on this roster.
Lakers Win Another One, Two from Title
With another win, the Lakers are a step closer to winning it all.
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