Game two of the NBA Finals is later tonight at 9:00 pm EST. The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in the envious position of being up 1-0 in the series and playing at home for game 2. Game one was a complete disaster for the Miami Heat and they must improve dramatically tonight or they will be down two games. The Mavericks need to keep moving along and step up their defense a little more. If not for the Heat meltdown, Miami would be up 1-0 in the series.

The Mavericks are a 4.5 favorite tonight and the under/over is 188.5. Game one’s point total was 170 (90-80). Can both teams play better and make up 19 points? If you think so, play the over. If you look more at history as a guide, the under is the play here. Right now, the Mavericks are -280 for the series and the Heat are +230. On the props board, the match up between Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki is on the board again. Nowitzki is at -125, while Wade is at -105.

I expect a different Miami team tonight and that’s why I am taking the +4.5 points. I know Pat Riley went ballistic on them and Shaq looks to be in good form as the game approaches. They lost by 10 in game one after having a complete meltdown, especially in the final minutes. If history does not repeat itself, this game will be closer and possibly a Miami win. The Heat has many veterans on their team who will rise to the occasion and you have to think Dwayne Wade is feeling better.