The Miami Heat sent bettors home happy after Game-1 of the 2011 NBA Finals Tuesday night with their opponents, the Dallas Mavericks. Miami was the NBA Finals Odds pick to win, lined 4 1/2-point favorites, and they delivered with 92-84 win. Tonight bettors should get more of the same when the Heat host the Mavericks for Game-2. Tip-off set for 9 pm ET at American Airlines Arena in Miami.
The 4 1/2-chalk line remains the same, at most sports shops, for Game-2 while the total is lowered a point to 186 1/2. As of Thursday morning, Mavericks backers were getting +175 odds on the offshore moneyline as underdogs while the price of a SU Heat win is -210.
With Miami up 1-0 in the NBA Finals series, oddsmakers are now demanding a series price of -340 while Mavericks backers are getting +260 to win the best of seven games NBA Finals.
Dallas' weaknesses were glaring in the first game and at the same time Miami's strengths were highlighted. Dirk Nowitzki always shows up big for the Mavericks, as he did Tuesday with 27 points to go along with eight rebounds. He did however struggle from the floor hitting only 7-of-18. For Game-2 we expect a big game from the Mavericks star but what about Nowitzki's supporting cast?
Shawn Marion was ok Tuesday scoring 16 and pulling down 10 boards but the rest of the team was missing in action. Tyson Chandler was thoroughly whipped in the post as he was held to just nine points and four rebounds. Partly due to Chandler's lack of production, the Heat dominated the boards 46-to-36 including a 16-6 difference on the offensive glass.
Miami's big three, LaBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh seem to have come together at the right time and have a championship in view. We predicted a Miami victory and cover ATS for Game-1 and hold to it for Game-2. Miami -4 1/2 is a good value, unless more players step up for the Mavericks. NBA Finals Odds Best Bet – Heat -4 1/2.
