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All odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

What you need to know for Game 2

Shining stars: Stephen Curry’s 3-point prop sits at 3.5 for Game 2, despite the fact he has averaged at least 12 attempts from deep over the past four games. For the Mavs, Reggie Bullock has lofted at least 10 3-pointers in two of his past three games His 3-point props sits at 2.5 for tonight’s game.

Liking Looney: The Warriors have leaned on Kevon Looney for meaningful minutes recently, as the big man has averaged nearly 32 minutes across the team’s last two contests. Looney has delivered nine assists and 27 boards across these two contests, making him a viable target for DFS as well as scoring, rebounding and passing props.

More Risk Than Reward: Andrew Wiggins went over his points prop by 3.5 points in Game 1, but I’d be careful doubling down. He led the Warriors in shots, started red-hot, scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting in the first quarter, and didn’t have foul issues despite occasionally ending up guarding Luka Doncic. He has yet to score over 20 points this postseason and his points prop currently sits at 15.5.

–– Jim McCormick & Kyle Soppe

Breaking down Game 2

Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
9:00 p.m ET, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

Line: Warriors (-6.5)
Money line: Warriors (-260), Mavericks (+210)
Total: 214 points
BPI Projected Total: 220.8 points
BPI Win%: Warriors (73.7%)

Notable: As 5.5-point favorites in Game 1, the Warriors won by 25- and earned their 14th cover of the season by at least 15 points. In the game immediately following such impressive covers, however, they are just 4-8-1 ATS. Furthermore, six of those failures to cover have come by at least nine points.

Compete for $40,000 throughout the NBA postseason! Make Your Picks

Best bet: Over 214.0 points. The Warriors have been elite at home all postseason, averaging 116.6 PPG. They scored 112 points in Game 1 and clearly took their foot off the gas once it became a blowout. Game 1 went under because the Mavericks were ice cold, missing wide open looks early and never finding their rhythm. Tonight should be different, as the Mavs have had the time to recover from their seven-game series and focus on the Warriors. I look for both teams to score plenty of points, sending the total over 214 points. — Andre Snellings

Best bet: Stephen Curry under 26.5 points. Curry played well in Game 1 and could have scored more if he wasn’t pulled early. He still scored 21 points on 7-for-16 shooting from the floor. In Curry’s five games against the Mavericks, including Game 1, he has scored 20.2 PPG on 39.6 FG% and 34.1 3P%. He has only scored over 26.5 points once in those five games. — Snellings

Best bet: Luka Doncic over 31.5 points. The Warriors defended Doncic pretty well on Wednesday. He was held to a postseason-low 20 points on 6-of-18 shooting. Doncic had more turnovers (7) than field goals made in a playoff game for the first time in his career. The Mavericks will make adjustments and position Doncic for a bounce-back game tonight. — Eric Moody

Best bets: Warriors 2H (-2.5); Warriors 3Q (-1.5). The Warriors have long been a dominant 3rd Quarter team and that continued again in Game 1 against Dallas when they outscored the Mavericks by 10 points. Steve Kerr is tremendous making adjustments coming out of the locker room. Dallas has really struggled on the road (outside of Game 7 at Phoenix) in this postseason. I like the Warriors in this game, and I think they create distance on the scoreboard in the second half like they have most of these playoffs. — Tyler Fulghum

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Best bet: Klay Thompson over 20.5 points. Thompson went scoreless in the first half and made only four field goal attempts in Game 1. He picked things up in the second half and finished the game with 15 points. Thompson should get off to a fast start tonight. — Moody

Best bet: Draymond Green under 6.5 assists. The Warriors did an excellent job in Game 1 of passing the ball around to counter the Mavericks’ closeouts and switches. Multiple Golden State players racked up assists. However, Green had nine potential assists and three assists, below his postseason average from the first two rounds. — Moody

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The Chicago White Sox are not meeting expectations right now. They have gotten off to a slow start that has shaken the fan base’s confidence that this team can win the World Series. The frustrating offseason has translated into a frustrating product to watch on the field.

The Chicago White Sox are sputtering offensively. They are 27th in the league in runs. They also have a -27 run differential.

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Chicago bassist Nick Macri is the model of versatility. He has appeared with a formidable gallery of jazz, folk, and rock musicians, including Ken Vandermark, James Elkington, Laetitia Sadier, Bobby Conn, and instrumental combo Stirrup. Adept on electric bass guitar and acoustic double bass, he can be unassumingly supportive or assertively tuneful, depending on what the situation requires. But he rarely performs on his own, which makes the music on his debut LP, Amache (Cuneiform), especially surprising. It’s credited to Nick Macri & Mono No Aware (“mono no aware” is a Japanese phrase referring to cognizance of the impermanence of things), but Macri is the only musician on it. He opens the album with tolling, almost prayerful metal percussion, but that vibe proves quite transient when he abruptly burps his electric bass. “How to Be in the Body . . . Without Jumping Out of Your Skin (for Tracy Pew)” is named for the late bassist of the Birthday Party, the ferocious postpunk combo where Nick Cave made his bones. The piece wraps around one and a half sides of a vinyl record, taking a winding path from simple, scorched melody to electronically scoured noise. Then Macri turns to his acoustic bass for the title track, dedicated to the thousands of Japanese American citizens who where shipped to internment camps during World War II and then made Chicago their home after the war. Macri has a familial connection to this heritage, and the piece’s solemnity makes it feel a bit like a prayer of remembrance.

Nick Macri & Mono No Aware’s Amache is available through Bandcamp.

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Chicago bassist Nick Macri is the model of versatility. He has appeared with a formidable gallery of jazz, folk, and rock musicians, including Ken Vandermark, James Elkington, Laetitia Sadier, Bobby Conn, and instrumental combo Stirrup. Adept on electric bass guitar and acoustic double bass, he can be unassumingly supportive or assertively tuneful, depending on what the situation requires. But he rarely performs on his own, which makes the music on his debut LP, Amache (Cuneiform), especially surprising. It’s credited to Nick Macri & Mono No Aware (“mono no aware” is a Japanese phrase referring to cognizance of the impermanence of things), but Macri is the only musician on it. He opens the album with tolling, almost prayerful metal percussion, but that vibe proves quite transient when he abruptly burps his electric bass. “How to Be in the Body . . . Without Jumping Out of Your Skin (for Tracy Pew)” is named for the late bassist of the Birthday Party, the ferocious postpunk combo where Nick Cave made his bones. The piece wraps around one and a half sides of a vinyl record, taking a winding path from simple, scorched melody to electronically scoured noise. Then Macri turns to his acoustic bass for the title track, dedicated to the thousands of Japanese American citizens who where shipped to internment camps during World War II and then made Chicago their home after the war. Macri has a familial connection to this heritage, and the piece’s solemnity makes it feel a bit like a prayer of remembrance.

Nick Macri & Mono No Aware’s Amache is available through Bandcamp.

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Pregame fashion has become woven into the fabric of the NBA, with some players building a reputation for their wardrobe selections.

1 Related

The postseason has provided entertaining hoops on the court and eye-catching fits from players off it. Stars have shown up in various attire like boxing robes, vibrant coats and sweaters. Suits, stuffed animal accessories and luxury fashion brands also have made appearances on the pregame runway during these playoffs.

Here’s a round-by-round look at some of the more stylish clothing worn by NBA players this postseason:

Conference Finals

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Tatum’s look ahead of his matchup with the Miami Heat Thursday featured a star-patterned jacket/pants combination and neckwear with a shiny pendant.

Conference semifinals

Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Game 6

Ahead of a potential series-clinching Game 6 against the Sixers, Butler rocked a tracksuit with the logo of his coffee brand, BigFace, pictured on the back. The bucket hat was a nice addition to the all-black fit.

Steven Adams and Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies, Game 5

Before Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors, Adams and Jones went extremely casual with some old-school Grizzlies looks.

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 5

Ahead of Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks, Paul wore a shirt with Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February, pictured on it. The Suns also showed their support for Griner with decals on the court.

Theo Pinson, Dallas Mavericks, Game 3

Sometimes, basketball and football worlds overlap, and such was the case when Pinson showed love to his alma mater, arriving with a North Carolina Tar Heels letterman jacket and matching helmet.

@dallasmavs/twitter

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3

The 17-season veteran decided to don an all-leather fit on his 37th birthday.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, Game 2

Black was the color of choice for the NBA’s all-time 3-point leader heading into Tuesday’s game, with his coat looking extra roomy.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Tatum arrived at TD Garden on Tuesday sporting a jacket with numerous college logos. One of the featured decals is his alma mater, the Duke Blue Devils. Some other team emblems stitched on the piece include the Kentucky Wildcats, UConn Huskies, UCLA Bruins and Georgetown Hoyas.

Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Round 1

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, Game 6

Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. arrived before the series-clinching Game 6 against Minnesota wearing a multicolored Versace sweater and blue Air Jordan 1s.

After the game, Grizzlies teammate Dillon Brooks pitted his outfit against Jackson’s.

“First off, before you guys start, who has the better fit: me or Trip [Jackson]?” Brooks said.

Jackson’s fit didn’t win over Brooks, per the reporters. The 22-year-old didn’t seem bothered by the outcome.

“That’s because I’m experimental … I push boundaries,” Jackson said.

DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Game 5

Ahead of the Bulls’ win-or-go-home contest against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, DeRozan honored Illinois music artist Juice WRLD with his outfit. The Chicago guard wore a Juice WRLD Galaxy Hoodie made by fashion company Vlone. Juice WRLD, whose real name is Jarad Higgins, died of a drug overdose in December 2019.

Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets, Game 3

Simmons’ look Saturday courtside against the Boston Celtics contrasted the Nets’ black and white uniforms perfectly.

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3

Ahead of Friday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Paul put together an impressive suit combination. Quite the color choice.

Serge Ibaka, Milwaukee Bucks, Game 3

Ibaka has been an NBA fashion guru during his 14-year career, especially with his striking scarves during his days with the Toronto Raptors. His eccentric fashion made another appearance heading into Game 3 against the Chicago Bulls. The casual fit featured a brim hat, cardigan and a handbag.

Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Smart won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, the first time a point guard has secured the honor since Gary Payton during the 1995-96 season. Given it is Smart’s first time winning DPOY, he donned a special robe that signified his accomplishment entering Game 2 against the Brooklyn Nets.

James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Game 1

Harden is no stranger to luxury couture. Last year, he was seen at Paris Fashion Week and was named to the board of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Ahead of his playoff debut with the Sixers, he sported the Louis Vuitton Blue & White “Puppet” Varsity Jacket. The colorful crocheted stuffed figures pinned on the coat really make the jacket stand out.

Maxey wore No. 3 before being drafted by Philly, but since that number is retired in honor of Allen Iverson, he had a decision to make.

“All my life, I’ve worn 3. Couldn’t get that one here,” said the first-round pick.

He paid tribute to the Sixers legend by wearing an Iverson jersey that featured several photos of the Basketball Hall of Famer.

It ended up being a fitting outfit choice. Maxey’s 38 points in Game 1 were the most in a playoff opener by a 76ers player since A.I. in 2003.

Jordan Clarkson and Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz, Game 1

Some players have an adventurous take on fashion, while others opt for the classic suit and tie look. With a little personalization, these Jazz stars had no issues rocking the tried-and-true combination.

Clarkson donned a white Midnight Studios button-up shirt with a black tie and slacks, with the leather harness adding a modern spin on an old classic.

Bogdanovic chose a more traditional route with his all-black ensemble and a pocket square that provided a splash of color.

Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors, Game 1

After missing a month with a foot injury, Curry returned to the Warriors’ lineup on April 16 against the Denver Nuggets. The coat he wore in his first game back took vibrancy to a new level.

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Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky or on the Reader’s YouTube channel—or wherever you podcast. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

Ben Joravsky brings you hours of incisive political commentary each week. Support Ben’s tireless dedication to Chicago and become a Ben Head today.

By becoming a Ben Head you will receive a new weekly newsletter from Ben with exclusive behind-the-scenes revelations, a roadmap to all things Joravsky, and a dedicated link to the latest podcast episodes. Don’t miss this chance to dive deep into Chicago politics, sports and culture, with our Captain of Commentary, Ben Joravsky. And don’t worry, there will be Ben Head merchandise!

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Pregame fashion has become woven into the fabric of the NBA, with some players building a reputation for their wardrobe selections.

1 Related

The postseason has provided entertaining hoops on the court and eye-catching fits from players off it. Stars have shown up in various attire like boxing robes, vibrant coats and sweaters. Suits, stuffed animal accessories and luxury fashion brands also have made appearances on the pregame runway during these playoffs.

Here’s a round-by-round look at some of the more stylish clothing worn by NBA players this postseason:

Conference Finals

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Tatum’s look ahead of his matchup with the Miami Heat Thursday featured a star-patterned jacket/pants combination and neckwear with a shiny pendant.

Conference semifinals

Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Game 6

Ahead of a potential series-clinching Game 6 against the Sixers, Butler rocked a tracksuit with the logo of his coffee brand, BigFace, pictured on the back. The bucket hat was a nice addition to the all-black fit.

Steven Adams and Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies, Game 5

Before Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors, Adams and Jones went extremely casual with some old-school Grizzlies looks.

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 5

Ahead of Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks, Paul wore a shirt with Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February, pictured on it. The Suns also showed their support for Griner with decals on the court.

Theo Pinson, Dallas Mavericks, Game 3

Sometimes, basketball and football worlds overlap, and such was the case when Pinson showed love to his alma mater, arriving with a North Carolina Tar Heels letterman jacket and matching helmet.

@dallasmavs/twitter

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3

The 17-season veteran decided to don an all-leather fit on his 37th birthday.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, Game 2

Black was the color of choice for the NBA’s all-time 3-point leader heading into Tuesday’s game, with his coat looking extra roomy.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Tatum arrived at TD Garden on Tuesday sporting a jacket with numerous college logos. One of the featured decals is his alma mater, the Duke Blue Devils. Some other team emblems stitched on the piece include the Kentucky Wildcats, UConn Huskies, UCLA Bruins and Georgetown Hoyas.

Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Round 1

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, Game 6

Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. arrived before the series-clinching Game 6 against Minnesota wearing a multicolored Versace sweater and blue Air Jordan 1s.

After the game, Grizzlies teammate Dillon Brooks pitted his outfit against Jackson’s.

“First off, before you guys start, who has the better fit: me or Trip [Jackson]?” Brooks said.

Jackson’s fit didn’t win over Brooks, per the reporters. The 22-year-old didn’t seem bothered by the outcome.

“That’s because I’m experimental … I push boundaries,” Jackson said.

DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Game 5

Ahead of the Bulls’ win-or-go-home contest against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, DeRozan honored Illinois music artist Juice WRLD with his outfit. The Chicago guard wore a Juice WRLD Galaxy Hoodie made by fashion company Vlone. Juice WRLD, whose real name is Jarad Higgins, died of a drug overdose in December 2019.

Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets, Game 3

Simmons’ look Saturday courtside against the Boston Celtics contrasted the Nets’ black and white uniforms perfectly.

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3

Ahead of Friday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Paul put together an impressive suit combination. Quite the color choice.

Serge Ibaka, Milwaukee Bucks, Game 3

Ibaka has been an NBA fashion guru during his 14-year career, especially with his striking scarves during his days with the Toronto Raptors. His eccentric fashion made another appearance heading into Game 3 against the Chicago Bulls. The casual fit featured a brim hat, cardigan and a handbag.

Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Smart won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, the first time a point guard has secured the honor since Gary Payton during the 1995-96 season. Given it is Smart’s first time winning DPOY, he donned a special robe that signified his accomplishment entering Game 2 against the Brooklyn Nets.

James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Game 1

Harden is no stranger to luxury couture. Last year, he was seen at Paris Fashion Week and was named to the board of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Ahead of his playoff debut with the Sixers, he sported the Louis Vuitton Blue & White “Puppet” Varsity Jacket. The colorful crocheted stuffed figures pinned on the coat really make the jacket stand out.

Maxey wore No. 3 before being drafted by Philly, but since that number is retired in honor of Allen Iverson, he had a decision to make.

“All my life, I’ve worn 3. Couldn’t get that one here,” said the first-round pick.

He paid tribute to the Sixers legend by wearing an Iverson jersey that featured several photos of the Basketball Hall of Famer.

It ended up being a fitting outfit choice. Maxey’s 38 points in Game 1 were the most in a playoff opener by a 76ers player since A.I. in 2003.

Jordan Clarkson and Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz, Game 1

Some players have an adventurous take on fashion, while others opt for the classic suit and tie look. With a little personalization, these Jazz stars had no issues rocking the tried-and-true combination.

Clarkson donned a white Midnight Studios button-up shirt with a black tie and slacks, with the leather harness adding a modern spin on an old classic.

Bogdanovic chose a more traditional route with his all-black ensemble and a pocket square that provided a splash of color.

Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors, Game 1

After missing a month with a foot injury, Curry returned to the Warriors’ lineup on April 16 against the Denver Nuggets. The coat he wore in his first game back took vibrancy to a new level.

Read More