The first round of the NBA playoffs was a celebration of underdogs, with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers pulling off stunning upsets. But as the Conference Semifinals unfold, a sense of predictability is creeping back in. Take the 76ers, for example: after toppling the No. 2 Boston Celtics, they now find themselves down 2-0 to the New York Knicks, with Joel Embiid once again sidelined by injuries.
Out West, the San Antonio Spurs roared back with a vengeance last night against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2, evening the series at 1-1. Guard Stephon Castle led the charge with 21 points, while Victor Wembanyama made his presence felt with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. De'Aaron Fox chipped in 16 points, shooting 5-for-10 from the field.
If you want to come out a winner this postseason, here are tonight's best bets—courtesy of BetOnline.org. New players get a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets.
Game 2: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The No. 1 Thunder (1-0) are looking to sweep the No. 4 Lakers (0-1) at Paycom Center. Oklahoma City has plenty going for them, especially with Luka Dončić still out for Los Angeles due to a hamstring injury—he's not expected back this series. In Game 1, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren combined for 42 points, with Holmgren adding 12 boards and three blocks to help hold the Lakers to just 37 second-half points.
For the Lakers, LeBron James led with 27 points, four rebounds, and six assists, but Austin Reaves struggled mightily, managing only 8 points and going 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. Even with Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart providing hustle on defense, neither can match the Thunder's fortress of Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, and Cason Wallace. Given Oklahoma City's overwhelming size and defensive depth, expect another lopsided matchup.
Game 2: Detroit Pistons vs. [Opponent]
The No. 1 Pistons (1-0) are aiming for their second consecutive playoff win, building on the momentum of a strong opening performance.