The Indiana Pacers pulled off the biggest upset of all the opening games in the postseason, as they went on the road and beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland entered the postseason as the favorite in the Eastern Conference despite only grabbing the No. 4 seed.
If the Cavs can win this game and earn a split at home to start things off, they will still be in good shape to win the series. But a loss in Game 2 would already make it time to panic, as the Pacers would get the next two at their place.
This is a huge game already. The Pacers were heavy underdogs heading into this series but had no problem getting the win in the opening game. The Cavaliers will be favored to even things up in Game 2 in NBA basketball wagering.
Game 2 of this NBA Playoff Series is on Wednesday, April 18 2018 at 7 p.m. ET at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The contest will be nationally televised on TNT.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.
Odds Analysis
The Cavaliers are listed as sizable eight-point favorites in Game 2, as the oddsmakers aren’t putting much stock behind Indiana’s win in the opener. The betting public thinks the spread is too high as more than 62 percent of the action is on the Pacers to cover.
The scoring total is listed at 209 points, with the “over” the more common choice as the gamblers see a high-scoring affair.
Cleveland is listed at -420 favorites on the moneyline, while the Pacers are listed as +330 underdogs. The first upset paid off nicely and so too would this one if it happens in NBA basketball betting.
Last Time Out
The Pacers raced out to a 19-point lead after one quarter. The Cavaliers whittled it down heading into the fourth but Indiana played really well in the final stages to cruise to a 98-80 victory. Victor Oladipo led the way with 32 points on 11-of-19 from the field.
The Cavaliers shot only 38.5 percent from the field and turned the ball over 17 times. Cleveland was inconsistent throughout the season, but found a groove down the stretch. It entered this series as the heavy favorite but the up-and-down nature of the year reared its head again in Game 1.
The Pacers dominated in most categories and the Cavs will need to regroup in order to get the upper hand back in this series.
Player To Watch
LeBron James -- Cleveland is the team to beat in the East because of its superstar. James was on the short list of MVP candidates once again in the regular season, and he consistently takes his game to another level in the playoffs.
James did what he could in Game 1, finishing with 24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. However, he didn’t get enough help around him. James shot 7-of-17 from the field and missed all four of his shots from three-point range.
While it’s unfair to nitpick, this is the spot Cleveland is in because James carries such a big load for the team. He could easily have another triple-double next time out and should score more than the 24 points the first time.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Cavaliers should be able to bounce back in this game. Indiana is a decent team but not a great one. Look for Cleveland to win this one and even the series back at one game apiece. However, the spread for this matchup is too high.
Look for Indiana to cover once again in NBA basketball gambling. The scoring total looks too low as each side should pick up the pace in this one and shoot better.
NBA ATS Pick: Cavaliers 108, Pacers 103
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