NBA Finals Prediction: Can the Warriors cover vs. Cavs in Game 1? 6/1/17
Will the Golden State Warriors be able to control Game 1 of the NBA Finals when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at 9PM ET? Here’s our NBA Finals Prediction for Game 1
GAME 1 ODDS
According to oddsmakers, the Warriors are the favorite at home tonight, as they are getting odds of -7 points against the Cavaliers. The over/under total for the game is listed at 223.5 points.
These two met twice during the season, with the home team winning and covering the spread in both instances.
THE WARRIORS
The Warriors are a perfect 12-0 in the 2017 playoffs, going 8-4 against the spread in the process. All of the failed covers have come at home. Golden State is now 79-15 overall, 42-5 at home and 48-43-3 against the spread. The Warriors average 116.2 points per game while allowing 104.0.
Stephen Curry is leading Golden State in the playoffs with 28.6 points and 5.6 assists per game while Kevin Durant has added 25.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Draymond Green is putting up 13.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.2 assists per contest.
THE CAVS
Cleveland is 12-1 in these NBA Playoffs. They are also 8-4-1 against the spread during the playoffs, but they are 6-0-1 ATS on the road. The Cavs are now 63-32 overall, 27-21 on the road and 44-47-4 against the spread. Cleveland averages 111.2 points per game this season while allowing 105.6.
LeBron James is leading the Cavs in the postseason, putting up 32.5 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2.15 steals and 1.38 blocks per game. Kyrie Irving is adding 24.5 points and 5.6 assists per contest while Kevin Love posts 17.2 points and 10.4 boards per game.
NBA FINALS PREDICTION
Some of the trends suggest that the Cavs will cover in tonight’s game. The Warriors have struggled to cover at home in the playoffs while the Cavs have been better on the road. Golden State could also start slow with such a long layoff. However, I still like the Warriors to cover. Cleveland was the better team last year, but this year’s Cavs team has been severely lacking in defense. That will be the difference in this year’s series.
Golden State has another major scoring option, much better than Harrison Barnes. The Warriors will find the hot hand and get plenty of open looks against Cleveland tonight.
NBA Finals Prediction – Game 1 – Golden State Warriors -7
