No repeat success for the Bulls in Miami

8May 2013

NBA

With all of the action from Wednesday night's NBA Playoffs Conference semi-finals available on Betfair Live Video, Sumeet Paul takes a closer look at the four teams hoping to seal a vital win in Game 2...

Chicago Bulls @ Miami Heat

Having shown an ability to compete with the Miami Heat during the regular season, the Chicago Bulls continued to rattle the defending champions after winning Game 1 at the AA Arena on Monday night.

Miami will have been disappointed with their effort, shooting just under 40 percent from the field in a rusty performance that included numerous missed open shots. The same could be said for Chicago though, who committed a number of turnovers.

Despite a depleted roster, the Bulls were led by Joakim Noah and Nate Robinson to pick up a valuable win and will therefore be in high spirits ahead of Game 2.

However, it is almost unthinkable that the Heat will lose back-to-back home games, so expect them to tie the series with a high-energy display. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau is known to emphasise work on the defensive end, but if Miami start making their shots it could get a little uncomfortable.

Golden State Warriors @ San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs prevailed in Game 1 after becoming the first team in post-season history to rally from a 16-point deficit with just four minutes remaining.

Forcing the game into double overtime, Manu Ginobili hit the game-winning three despite previously missing seven straight shots, which left Coach Gregg Popovich going from "wanting to trade him on the spot" to "wanting to cook breakfast for him tomorrow morning".

However, it was another remarkable game for Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry who scored 44 points, and he remains a huge threat to San Antonio.

Golden State are a young, vibrant and dangerous outfit, but the Spurs can counter that well with experience and will preserve their home court advantage with the Warriors failing to win in San Antonio since 1997.

The points market may be one to watch in this one, as both teams have regularly surpassed the 100-point mark in playoff games thus far.

Recommended Bets

Back Miami Heat -11.5 pts @ 1.86

Back the over 204.5 pts market in Golden State Warriors-San Antonio Spurs @ 1.92