There’s no need to discuss the ending to the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics last night – that will be on highlight reels for the next decade. The NBA Bubble continues to provide nothing but excitement and surprises and this is exactly what fans had hoped to see.  More hot picks action is coming tonight on Sept 4, and one top-seeded team needs to get its head back in the game if it wants to advance to the NBA Finals.

Daily NBA Picks Sept 4, 2020

The Heat Look To Keep Streak Alive

The Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks meet up today for the third game in their semifinals series.  Miami is up 2-0, having barely pulled out a win in their last game.  Whether that was a sign that the Bucks are figuring out how to address their weaknesses will be determined tonight.  Not that the Heat isn’t deserving of being where they are, but the Bucks ruled the East all season, only seeming to come a little unglued once teams met up at Disney World in Orlando for the NBA reboot.

Along with the LA Lakers, the Bucks had the best regular season record this year, and they have to figure out where they’re failing.  Giannis Antetokounmpo has consistently been shut down as they try him in different positions and a loss tonight puts the Bucks in a pressure situation that would force them to not be able to lose another game.

Milwaukee is in good shape tonight – physically and mentally.  There are no NBA injuries, while the Heat are possibly down three players – Andre Iguodala, Kelly Olynyk and Gabe Vincent.  They’re listed as questionable for the game and this will give Milwaukee a slight edge.  The Bucks are getting -220 on the NBA moneyline and, despite the Heat having taken the first two games, we pick them to bounce back on Sept 4.  The Over/Under of 223.5 (-112) seems a little high; however, expect both teams to push tonight and make the Over hit.

The Lakers Meet The Rockets

The Western Conference semifinals series between the Lakes and the Houston Rockets kicks off tonight after the Lakers have had plenty of time to rest up.  That’s good news for them, as Houston will by no means be an easy opponent.  With Eric Gordon, James Harden and Russell Westbrook on the court, the Rockets are up for a challenge and will give the Lakers a defense that it won’t easily bust through.

Harden has averaged 29.7 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Rockets and the team is averaging 43.5% on its shots from the inside.  There’s still a question about Luc Mbah a Moute being able to suit up for action, while the Lakers are wondering if their own big man, LeBron James, will be able to play due to a groin injury.  Rajon Rondo and Anthony Davis are listed as probable, and there’s little doubt the Lakers want to have them ready in time for the game.

This should be an interesting night.  The Rockets beat the Lakers 2-1 during the regular season, so they definitely have the talent and the skills to take them again.  However, one of the biggest benefits for the Lakers is the fact that the team has not had to play a game since August 29 and on August 24 before that.  They have had plenty of time to recover and recharge the batteries, while the Rockets are coming off a hard-fought win from two days ago.

It’s hard to imagine the Lakers, at -295, not taking the win against the +230 Rockets tonight.  Houston has a lot of shooting power from beyond the paint and a strong defense, but the Lakers are rested and desperate to win.  The Over/Under of 225.5 is a good call, but this Game 1 will most likely have both teams getting off to a slow start, making the Under the winner here.

That’s for our daily NBA picks for Sept 4, we’re feeling pretty confident for these two. Good luck!