Following their wins in Game 4, the Celtics and the Mavericks have extended their NBA Conference Finals series against the Heat and Warriors respectively.
The Celtics drubbed the Heat for the second time in this series following their Game 3 loss, although the pressure is still on them since two of the next possible three games are to be played in Miami.
Over at the west coast, the Mavericks avoided a Warriors sweep as they got hot from deep, and they’re keen on getting a tough road win at San Francisco in Game 5.
Here at SBOTOP, we expect more NBA 2022 highlights to come our way. So read on below as we bring to you a glimpse on what’s ahead for Game 5.
Boston Celtics @ Miami Heat
All the Celtics needed to do was to not be as sloppy as they were in Game 3 to avoid going down 3-1 in their ECF series against the Heat. The last time that they fell into the said hole, Miami advanced to the NBA Finals.
In Game 3, Miami had a franchise postseason record of 19 steals and they were led by Bam Adebayo’s 31 points. However, in Game 4, he was held to only nine points.
The starting lineup of Adebayo, Butler, Lowry, Strus, and Tucker combined for only 18 points in Game 4 – which was the lowest points in a playoff game by a starting unit since the NBA-ABA merger.
Victor Oladipo was the lone bright spot for the Heat as he had 23 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Duncan Robinson and Caleb Martin are the other double-digit scorers with 14 and 12.
Boston, on the other hand, came out hot in Game 4 by outscoring their visitors 29-11 in the first period and that was enough for them to seal the 102-82 win.
Following a subpar outing in Game 3, Jayson Tatum bounced back big time by dropping 31 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while fellow starters Derrick White, Robert Williams III, and Jaylen Brown combined for 37 points.
They’ve improved to 5-0 this postseason following a loss, which just goes to show their resiliency, but Coach Ime Udoka would prefer for his team to be more consistent.
What’s impressive about the Celtics’ Game 4 blowout victory was that they were superb on the defensive end without Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, who was sidelined with a sprained ankle in Game 3.
Meanwhile, the Heat were without Tyler Herro, who suffered a groin injury late in Game 3.
On paper, the Celtics are the better team than the Heat despite the latter having the better regular season record. However, they must show it tomorrow by bringing that same energy and focus that they had in Game 4.
Betting Tip – Boston Celtics Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 1.98
Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors
The Mavericks made it rain in Game 4 to stave off elimination for at least one more match, literally and figuratively.
Dallas had to wait out a rain delay going into the second half as there was a leak in the roof of the American Airlines Center. After that, they proceeded to pour it on from three-point land, hitting 20 three-pointers en route to a 119-109 win.
Luka Doncic was spectacular for the Mavs once more as he scored a game-high of 30 points along with 14 rebounds and nine assists. This time, he wasn’t alone as several teammates have contributed too.
Dorian Finney-Smith had 23 points with four threes and six rebounds, while Reggie Bullock – who laid an egg in the previous match – dropped 18 points by going 6-for-10 from rainbow country.
Jalen Brunson, Maxi Kleber, and Spencer Dinwiddie are the Mavs’ other double-digit scorers with 15, 13, and 10 each.
The Warriors trailed by as many as 29 points, but they were able to cut the deficit to 110-102 with 3:22 left in the final period.
With Golden State threatening to make a comeback, the Mavericks got timely baskets from Luka Doncic and Reggie Bullock to essentially ice the game and avoid the sweep.
Steph Curry led all Warriors scorers with 20 in the losing effort, while Jonathan Kuminga and Jordan Poole had 17 and 14 off the bench.
The defeat snapped the Warriors’ nine-game winning streak in WCF games, but the NBA 2022 odds aren’t favouring the Mavs since no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the series.
Betting Tip – Golden State Warriors Asian Handicap -7.50 @ 1.97
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE BASKETBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
