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Game 2 Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Preview & Free Pick

NBA Handicapping Predictions – Heat vs Thunder

Miami controlled the first half of Game One, but Oklahoma City controlled the second half.

NBA Basketball Matchup: Miami Heat (0-1) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0)
NBA Finals: Game Two
Date/Time: June 14, 9:00 PM EST on ABC
NBA Gambling Odds from Bovada
NBA Betting Favorite: Thunder -5.5
Over/Under: 196

Matchup | Preview 

The Thunder had 24 fast break points compared to just four for the Heat. Oklahoma City won 105-94 and took a 1-0 lead in this best of seven series.

Miami would love nothing more than to get out of Oklahoma City with a win, but the Thunder need Game Two since there will be three straight in Miami after this one. This should be a hard fought contest.

Miami had its way early on in Game One, and that was largely because the Heat shot the ball so well from the perimeter. Shane Battier knocked down four three-pointers and finished with 17 points. LeBron James had 30 points and Dwyane Wade had 19 points in the series opener.

The supporting cast played well in Game One, but the Big Three for Miami didn’t go off like they are capable. Miami was outrebounded 43-35 in Game One. The Heat allowed Oklahoma City to shoot 52% from the floor.

Miami’s defense must improve if they are going to win this series, and that starts with limiting Oklahoma City’s transition opportunities.  [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Kevin Durant led the way with 36 points in the Game One win. Durant had another huge second half, as he has done many times so far this year in the playoffs. Russell Westbrook had 27 points and 11 assists in the win Tuesday night. Nick Collison isn’t a flashy player, but any coach will tell you that they love his tenacity on the floor.

Collison had 8 points and 10 rebounds, and he played a pivotal role in the team’s terrific fourth quarter effort in Game One. James Harden had only five points on Tuesday, and they’ll need more from him the rest of the series.

Oklahoma City did a nice job limiting Miami’s transition opportunities in Game One, and they must continue to do that the rest of the series.

Miami played pretty well in Game One, but they still lost by double digits. Oklahoma City should feed off the crowd here, and they realize they need to win this game. Look for the Thunder to cover.

Free NBA Pick: Thunder -5.5

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By Kyle Hunter

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