I was hoping this might get back to 4, but it appears no luck. I'm completely fine with a rerun of Game 1 as we covered and Boston won at the last second. I absolutely don't expect Kevin Durant to shoot 9-for-24 again and make just one three-pointer no matter how many bodies the Celtics are throwing at him. Brooklyn was minus-13 with him on the court. Even with Durant struggling, the Nets still shot nearly 54 percent from the field against the best defense in the NBA (at least in the New Year). Hey Steve Nash, can't Blake Griffin and/or LaMarcus Aldridge at least help a little? Neither played in Game 1. Take advantage of no Robert Williams inside! This is essentially a pick'em in my mind, so I'll take the points again.

Boston has won four straight meetings with Brooklyn after losing the first of the season, covering in three of them while all five got Over the total. The one constant is the Over, and yet the total for Game 2 is a point less than the closing number for the series opener. The last five meetings at Boston have gone Over. The Celtics are the No. 1 defensive team, but the Nets force the pace against everyone and play no defense. The Over is the top play.

The Celtics were fortunate to win Game 1 when Jayson Tatum put in the game-winner at the buzzer. Now, they will face a Nets tandem of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving that will be fully engaged in Game 2. Yet, Boston at home will have the necessary spurts to quell the Nets. Take Boston to cover and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.