NBA Finals Game 1
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Golden State Warriors (June 2, 09:00 GMT+8)
Forget the boring 2017 NBA playoffs, the Cavs and Warriors rematch and third finals meeting in three years is all that matters now!
It would’ve caused a live betting shock if any team not named Cleveland or Golden State made it this far, but as what we have seen in the playoffs this year, these two are just a cut above the rest.
Betting websites and sports betting pundits already had the Cavs and Warriors vying for the Larry O’Brien trophy ahead of the season, and fortunately, they did not disappoint as they breezed through in their respective conferences to set up Round 3.
The Warriors with their famed lineup are the favourites, but any team with a guy named LeBron James can never be counted as underdogs – not here or in any reality you live in.
Of course, there’s a reason why the Dubs are expected to come out on top in Game 1 (and in the series). They added Kevin Freaking Durant without losing that much and they went undefeated this postseason to record one of the best runs in league history.
Also, don’t forget that they still have two-time MVP Stephen Curry who seems to be largely ignored for the most part this year.
Cleveland’s lineup featuring their Big Three led by LeBron is something to be feared as well. After all, the team boasting the best postseason offence – 120.7 offensives rating compared to the Warriors’ 115.8 – is enough proof of how deadly they are.
There’s also the fact that they have the mental advantage over the Warriors who blew a 3-1 lead in last season’s finale that allowed the Cavs to stage a historic comeback.
The key for the Warriors to winning will be Klay Thompson. With KD and Curry drawing the defence, it will greatly impact the team if he can get hot from deep – something he is predicted to do as part of the Splash Bros.
Meanwhile, Kevin Love will be important for the Cavs as someone who can dominate the painted area and create spaces when necessary.
Playing at Oracle Arena should give the Warriors the advantage, though I think that it will be a tough game for them throughout. It should help them, however, if they can exploit Cleveland’s defensive vulnerability in transition that we saw in their Game 3 collapse against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Golden State are an elite offensive team in transition, and the Cavs will certainly have a hard time if they are going to struggle in transition D now.
Expect a hard-fought matchup with a lot of lead changes in this one. Nonetheless, if you’re punting, Golden State Asian Handicap -7.00 @ 1.90 seems like the best choice to start the exciting series.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
