Injuries Taking Over The NBA Playoffs

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Developing Stories 📰

Lakers VS. Grizzlies Game 2

The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, and the Western Conference Quarterfinals are heating up as the Memphis Grizzlies host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 at the FedExForum on Wednesday. The Lakers have taken an early lead in the series, winning Game 1 in a tightly contested match against one of the league’s elite teams. The Grizzlies will be looking to turn things around, but with Ja Morant’s health situation uncertain, they have a tough path ahead of them. The Lakers pulled off a huge upset in Game 1, thanks to a 15-0 run in the final minutes of the game. Austin Reaves stood out in Game 1, leading the way for the Lakers with 23 points, four assists, and three rebounds. LeBron James also had an impressive game, posting 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals. Anthony Davis filled the stat sheet with 22 points, 12 rebounds, seven blocks, three assists, and three steals, showcasing his all-around game. Rui Hachimura was a force off the bench, leading the Lakers in scoring with 29 points. On the Grizzlies side, Jaren Jackson was their leading scorer with 31 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Desmond Bane had a solid outing with 22 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Ja Morant, who is a game-time decision for Game 2, ended with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Dillon Brooks and Xavier Tillman also made contributions to the Grizzlies’ effort in Game 1. The Lakers will look to build on their Game 1 victory and continue their dominance against the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to win without Ja Morant if he is unable to play.

Heat VS. Bucks Game 2

The Milwaukee Bucks will look to bounce back from a disappointing Game 1 loss when they host the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First-Round Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening. The Heat managed to steal Game 1 on the road, as the Bucks were dealt a major blow when Giannis left the game in the first quarter after taking a hard fall. The Bucks struggled to keep up with the Heat’s hot start and trailed by 13 points at halftime, ultimately losing by a final score of 122-109.  Jimmy Butler was the standout performer for the Heat in Game 1, leading the way with 35 points, five rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals in 43 minutes of action. Bam Adeboyo also had a solid game with 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Meanwhile, Khris Middleton had a big game for the Bucks, scoring 33 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out four assists. Bobby Portis also had a strong performance off the bench, contributing 21 points and eight rebounds. Jrue Holiday was impressive as well, tallying 16 points, seven rebounds, 16 assists, and a steal. The Bucks will need to regroup and come out strong in Game 2 if they want to even the series.

Nuggets VS. Timberwolves Game 2

The Denver Nuggets will look to extend their lead against the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference First-Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on Wednesday. The Nuggets are up 1-0 in the series after a convincing Game 1 win, where they dominated on the defensive end, holding the Timberwolves to just 80 points. Minnesota struggled in Game 1, shooting just 37 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range. Karl-Anthony Towns had a tough outing, finishing with just 11 points on 5-of-15 shooting, and the Timberwolves will need him to step up if they want to avoid a quick exit from the playoffs. On the other hand, the Nuggets had six players score at least 13 points in Game 1, showcasing their balance and depth. Although they struggled on the offensive end at times, their defense was one of the best showings of the year. Holding the Timberwolves to just 80 points is a testament to what this team wants to do in the postseason. With their Game 1 win, the Nuggets have already taken a step towards continuing that dominance in this series. If they can maintain their strong defensive performance and continue to get contributions from their deep roster, the Timberwolves will have a tough time turning things around. The stage is set for an exciting Game 2 matchup in what has already been a thrilling NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets will look to extend their lead, while the Timberwolves will look to bounce back and avoid a quick exit from the postseason.

Headlines 🚨

On This Day in Sports History: 1991 Evander Holyfield beats George Foreman in 12 for heavyweight boxing title.

A fan is suing Bradley Beal and the team over a postgame incident March 21 in Orlando, Florida, alleging battery and assault and asking for damages exceeding $50,000.

The NBA has suspended Draymond Green for one game for stepping on the chest of Domantas Sabonis.

The Bucks officially listed Giannis Antetokounmpo as doubtful to play in Wednesday night's Game 2 against the Heat.

Clayton Kershaw had just captured the 200th regular-season victory of his illustrious career, a number that has taken on added significance in an era of bullpen specialization. 

Jacob deGrom said Tuesday the soreness in his right wrist that ended his start Monday after four innings is feeling better and he expects to make his next start.

Giancarlo Stanton is likely to be sidelined for six weeks because of a strained left hamstring.

Panthers’ general manager Scott Fitterer made it clear Tuesday that quarterback Bryce Young has not been told he will be the top pick of the NFL draft.

Purdue Zach Edey announced Tuesday that he plans to enter the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

A group of professional sports leagues and media outlets have formed a coalition that aims to ensure a responsible approach to sports betting advertising.

Trends 📈📉 via Oddsshark

🏀 Lakers at Grizzlies

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 5 games on the road

• The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Memphis's last 11 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

• Memphis is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home

🏀 Heat at Bucks

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against Miami

• Milwaukee is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Miami

🏀 Timberwolves at Nuggets

• The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games on the road

• The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games 

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games at home

• The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Denver's last 14 games

⚾️ Rays at Reds

• Tampa Bay is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games 

• Tampa Bay is 16-4 ATS in its last 20 games 

• Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

• Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

⚾️ Guardians at Tigers

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit

• The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing Detroit

• Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games 

• Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games 

⚾️ Giants at Marlins

• The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 8 games when playing Miami

• The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Francisco's last 11 games when playing on the road against Miami

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games at home

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games 

⚾️ Diamondbacks at Cardinals

• Arizona is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Arizona

⚾️ Phillies at White Sox

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games 

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chi White Sox's last 10 games at home

• Chi White Sox is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

⚾️ Rangers at Royals

• Texas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road

• Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Texas

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City's last 8 games 

⚾️ Pirates at Rockies

• Pittsburgh is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road

• Pittsburgh is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games 

• The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

• The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Colorado's last 13 games when playing Pittsburgh

⚾️ Mets at Dodgers

• NY Mets is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games 

• NY Mets is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road

• LA Dodgers is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against NY Mets

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games at home

⚾️ Cubs at Athletics

• Chi Cubs is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland

• Chi Cubs is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

• The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oakland's last 13 games

⚾️ Braves at Padres

• Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Diego

• Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

• San Diego is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta

⚾️ Brewers at Mariners

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle

• Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing Milwaukee

⚾️ Angels at Yankees

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees

• LA Angels is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing NY Yankees

• The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games at home

⚾️ Orioles at Nationals

• Baltimore is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Baltimore

• Washington is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games 

⚾️ Twins at Red Sox

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Boston

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston

• Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

• Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

⚾️ Blue Jays at Astros

• Toronto is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road

• Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 9 of Houston's last 11 games at home

• Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

🏀 NBA

35% of bets and 52% of money is on UNDER 227 LAL and MEM 

49% of bets and 75% of money is on MIL -6.5

37% of bets and 56% of money is on UNDER 219.5 MIA at MIL

49% of bets and 71% of money is on UNDER 223.5 MIN at DEN

🏒 NHL

26% of bets and 41% of money is on NYI +145

52% of bets and 76% of money is on UNDER 5.5 MIN at DAL

⚾️ MLB

16% of bets and 35% of money is on KC -110

38% of bets and 56% of money is on OVER 11 PIT at COL

66% of bets and 83% of money is on NYM -130

49% of bets and 67% of money is on SEA -135

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada Sportsbook

Injury Report 🏥 via ESPN

DEN (C) Nikola Jokic | Questionable - Wrist

LAL (SF) LeBron James | Probable - Foot

LAL (PG) Dennis Schroder | Probable - Foot

LAL (PF) Anthony Davis | Probable - Foot

MEM (PG) Ja Morant | Questionable - Hand

MEM (F) Jake LaRavia | Out - Calf

MIA (SG) Tyler Herro | Out - Hand (4-6 weeks)

MIA (PG) Kyle Lowry | Questionable - Knee

MIA (F) Nikola Jovic | Out - Back

MIL (PF) Giannis Antetokounmpo | Doubtful - Back

MIL (SG) Wesley Matthews | Out - Calf

MIN (SG) Jaylen Nowell | Questionable - Knee

 MIN (C) Rudy Gobert | Questionable - Back

 Picks 🔒

Miami Heat +6.5 | With Giannis listed as doubtful this gives the Heat the opportunity to keep the game close. He is a dominant force for the Bucks, and Butler and Adebayo could make this series 2-0 before heading back to South Beach.