The excitement of the NBA playoffs continues to build with the first set of Game 2 matchups today, featuring two three-versus-six clashes as the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors aim to even their series against the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings, respectively.
The following odds are provided by Bet365 via Covers.com.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers (76ers lead 1-0)
The 76ers are listed as 10-point favorites for Game 2 against the Nets, following their impressive 121-101 victory in Game 1. Philadelphia's dynamic duo, James Harden and Joel Embiid, led the charge with 23 and 26 points, respectively, while Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey contributed 21 and 13 points each.
Harris' defensive efforts also played a significant role in the Sixers' win, as the team managed to limit the scoring impact of the Nets' Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson in the second half. Bridges and Johnson will likely play crucial roles in Game 2, with the Nets' offense focusing on creating opportunities for Nic Claxton, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Spencer Dinwiddie.
As the Nets enter the game as 10-point underdogs, it will be interesting to see what head coach Jacque Vaughn has in store to break through the Sixers' defense and reward those who bet on Brooklyn.
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors (Kings lead 1-0)
The Warriors are favored by 1 point in Game 2 after their strong first half failed to secure a win in Game 1, which they lost 126-123. De'Aaron Fox led the Kings' charge with an impressive 38-point performance in his playoff debut, supported by Malik Monk's crucial 32 points off the bench, as Sacramento claimed the opening game against the reigning NBA champions.
The Warriors' struggles on the road this season, with an 11-30 away record during the regular season, have raised concerns. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 51 points in Game 1, while Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole added 17 points each from the bench.
For the Warriors to avoid another late-game collapse, Poole and Thompson must improve their shot-making efficiency. Meanwhile, the Kings, who are back in the playoffs after a 17-year absence, will be hungry for more than just one win against the Warriors, eager to prove their doubters wrong.
