This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Lakers to win at PHO + Clippers to win vs. DAL parlay (+136) -- WynnBet (1:37 PM CT)
It feels like both LA teams are in must-win situations. The Lakers have looked sluggish since the play-in, and the Clippers dropped Game 1 at home to a much inferior Mavericks team. I'm banking on them both feeling the pressure and snapping back in their respective Game 2s.
Jacob Lebowitz
Kawhi Leonard OVER 1.5 steals (-111) vs. DAL -- BetMGM (12:42 PM CT)
Leonard is known for his defensive abilities, and after an embarrassing loss in Game 1, the star will be highly motivated to shut down Luka Doncic and the Mavericks in Game 2. Doncic has struggled with turning the ball over all year, averaging 4.3 turnovers per game, which is the second highest in the league. On the season, Leonard averaged 3.0 steals per game against the Mavericks in their two regular-season battles. In Game 1, Leonard notched four steals, so expect the forward to post another impressive defensive stat line as the Clippers attempt to lock up Doncic.
Nick Whalen
Brooklyn Nets -9.0 (-110) vs. BOS -- DraftKings (12:49 PM CT)
In retrospect, Game 1 may have been the Celtics' best chance to steal a game in this series. They held the Nets to 16 first-quarter points and led by six at the half before Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving woke up over the final 24 minutes. Chances are, Boston won't catch the Nets off-guard again, and I expect a much better shooting performance from Brooklyn, which hit just eight of 34 three-point attempts in Game 1. It may not be a complete slaughter like Monday's Bucks-Heat game, but I like the Nets' chances to dominate from start to finish.
Dallas Mavericks +7.0 (-110) at LAC -- DraftKings
The Mavs were able to steal Game 1 in impressive fashion, but the Clippers shot poorly from three while Dallas went 17-of-36 from downtown. Assuming the shooting stabilizes, I like the Clippers to win the game, but I think Dallas can keep it close throughout. Luka Doncic's ability to control the pace and generate consistently good shots should allow the Mavs to hang around.
LeBron James OVER 41.5 points + rebounds + assists (-113) at PHO -- DraftKings
I did not like what I saw from James on Sunday, but he has a history of underperforming in Game 1s. While I'm skeptical that he'll be able to turn things around on a bad ankle, this number is simply too low to pass up. For his playoff career, James averages roughly 45 points/rebounds/assists, and historically, he tends to play much, much better in Game 2s. I'm not sure James has a monster scoring game in him, but I like his chances to put up something like 25 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds to push him over 41.5.
Andre Drummond UNDER 8.5 points (-113) at PHO -- DraftKings
The Lakers will need to make some drastic changes after a disastrous Game 1, and one of those could be limiting Drummond's workload. While his final line (12 points, nine rebounds) was respectable, anyone who watched Sunday's game saw just how damaging the big man was on both ends. He has terrible hands, poor feel for the game and can't defend in space. It was a recipe for disaster against a motivated Deandre Ayton in Game 1. As a result, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers dust off Marc Gasol for some stretches Tuesday night.
Maxi Kleber UNDER 1.5 made three-pointers (-113) at LAC -- DraftKings
For one, Kleber is banged up with a sore Achilles that limited him at Monday's practice. So if he's cleared to play, it doesn't look like he'll be close to 100 percent. On top of that, Kleber played 36 minutes in Game 1 and took only two three-pointers and three total field goals. The Mavs don't count on Kleber to be a scorer, and there's no reason that should change in Game 2. Kleber has zero or one made three-pointer in eight of his last 11 appearances.
