NBA Playoffs 2015: Odds Guide and Picks for Tuesday's Semifinal Matchups
Game 2 usually represents the turning point in every series of the NBA playoffs. Either the location shifts with everything tied up or one team takes a commanding two-game lead.
This is the situation to look forward to in the two games Tuesday night. The Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors will try to replicate their Game 1 successes while the Atlanta Hawks and the Memphis Grizzlies will look for revenge.
Here is a look at what to expect for the two conference semifinal games.
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks (Wizards lead 1-0)
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta
TV: TNT
Odds (via Odds Shark)
- Spread: Atlanta -6.5
- Over/Under: 198
The Wizards weren't the most consistent team during the regular season, but they have found a way to get it done in the postseason with five straight wins.
Michael Lee of the Washington Post pointed out how well the group has played on the road:
The latest victory was a come-from-behind effort with the Wizards down 10 points at halftime. The backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal was especially impressive despite both suffering apparent injuries.
At this point, the Atlanta Hawks are in danger of falling back 0-2 before heading to Washington. This won't officially end the series, but it would put the No. 1 seed in major trouble.
On the plus side, the squad remains confident after the disappointing loss. Paul Millsap explained the mindset the next day, per J. Michael of CSN Washington:
"We played well enough to win the game. Internally, we felt like we won the game. A few crucial mistakes. A few plays let them back in the game.
Let me be specific, we feel good about it. Ten-point lead going into halftime. Come back out, took some good shots, missed some open shots. Wasn't as aggressive as we needed to be. We feel good about it.
"
The good news is there are a lot of places to improve. Millsap can be more efficient on the floor, Kyle Korver can shoot better than 3-of-11 from three-point range, and Jeff Teague can play better on-ball defense.
This team's great regular season was not a fluke. Atlanta should get back on track and even up the series in Game 2.
Prediction: Hawks 95, Wizards 91
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (Warriors lead 1-0)
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
TV: TNT
Odds (via Odds Shark)
- Spread: Golden State -10.5
- Over/Under: 196
The Golden State Warriors keep rolling and will be tough for anyone to stop this postseason.
Stephen Curry has led the way all year, earning his first MVP award in a race that wasn't as close as people expected:
He and Klay Thompson make up a fun backcourt that can seemingly outscore anyone in the NBA. As good as the offense has been this year, though, the defense has been just as important to the Warriors' success.
ESPN Stats & Info provided this interesting note after the latest win:
Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut are true difference makers on the defensive end of the court, and the entire team has been committed to stopping opponents. With the Memphis Grizzlies lacking elite shooters, they will struggle to score all series.
Even if the Warriors are not scoring as efficiently as usual, the defense will keep them ahead in this series—especially at home.
Golden State might not get the sweep, but there seems to be a good chance the squad grabs a significant lead after Game 2.
Prediction: Warriors 99, Grizzlies 84
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