It’s time to say “Welcome Back” to the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Betting odds are already creeping away from the Celtics and Thunder as they trail 2-0 in the NBA playoffs. However, victories in their respective games today put them back in contention in most betting websites.
Of course, online betting still has the leaders as the likely winners, but closing the gap means that we have an exciting series heading our way!
Boston Celtics 104-87 Chicago Bulls
The Celtics went small…and they won big!
Adjusting his lineup, Coach Brad Stevens inserted Gerald Green into the starting unit and moved Jae Crowder to the four spot; and the strategy paid dividends as the Celtics built an 18-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
Chicago, meanwhile, failed to keep up as their offence stalled without their injured point guard, Rajon Rondo. Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler scored 18 and 14 respectively but shot only 33.3 percent from the field.
Houston Rockets 113-115 Oklahoma City Thunder
Another day, another triple-double for Russell Westbrook; but this time, he got the W.
Westbrook had his usual stat line, though he played more efficiently this time, finishing with 32 points on 45.8 percent shooting. He also got some much-needed help on the offensive end as Taj Gibson, Andre Roberson and Victor Oladipo also ended with double digits.
Although James Harden had 44 markers for Houston, they clearly struggled from deep as they shot below 30 percent. It also didn’t help that Patrick Beverley was a non-factor in the game – failing to neutralise Westbrook as well as impact the offence.
LA Clippers 111-106 Utah Jazz
Although Utah led for the most part, a second-half meltdown saw them lose grip of the lead as the Clippers escaped with a victory.
Gordon Hayward was sensational for the Jazz with his 40 points and eight rebounds, but the Clips just had a better night with their balanced and efficient offence led by Chris Paul.
Rudy Gobert’s absence is also a factor in the game as the Clippers dominated the boards with 41 – nine of which are offensive – while the Jazz only had 27.
Doc Rivers will be hopeful though that Blake Griffin’s injury in the second quarter is not long term.
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