NBA Finals Game 2 Opening Odds
(The Spread) – Can the Mavericks tie things up tonight in Game 2 of the 2011 NBA Finals against the Heat without their big man?
Opening Odds: When oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog released the opening odds for Game 2 on Thursday night, the Heat found themselves as 4.5-point favorites while the over/under total opened at 186 points.
Line Movement: The line actually hasn’t budged, which is a little surprising given Dirk Nowitzki’s injury. Dallas’ star player suffered a torn tendon in the middle finger of his non-shooting hand and while the Mavericks downplayed the injury, they have to be concerned. If they go down 2-0 and Nowitzki isn’t right, this could be a very short series for the Mavericks.
Trends: Even with their loss on Tuesday, the Mavericks are still 5-1-1 against the spread in their last seven games in Miami. The over is also 4-1 in the last five meetings between these two teams, while the road team is 10-2-1 against the number in the last 13 meetings between the Mavs and Heat.
Public Betting Information: Early public betting information shows that 60% of the 2,200-plus wagers have been placed on the Heat –4.5. It’ll be interesting to see if this number goes up the closer we get to tip off because the public is expected to back Miami in Game 2.
Game 1 Rewind: The Mavericks held a lead at halftime and looked good at the start of the third quarter, but things fell apart from there. They lost 92-84 and failed to cover as 4.5-point road underdogs. Despite suffering the injury to his finger, Nowitzki finished with 27 points and was 12-for-12 at the free throw line. Shawn Marion contributed with 16 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, while Jason Terry finished with 12 points. For Miami, LeBron James led the Heat with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Dwyane Wade snagged 10 boards and added 22 points. Chris Bosh finished with 19 points and nine rebounds.
2011 NBA Finals Game 2 Odds & Totals
703 Dallas Mavericks +4.5 (187)
704 Miami Heat –4.5 (187)
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