Warriors – Cavaliers

Lebron James JR Smith reaction

The Golden State Warriors will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night in Game 2 of the NBA finals, having claimed a 1-0 series lead after a nail biting victory in Game 1 on Thursday.

The Warriors were far from their best in Game 1 and in all honestly it was a small miracle that they managed to win it in overtime. They seemed to lack some effort and awareness for the most part of the game, something which was pinpointed by them getting beat on most 50-50 balls and getting outrebounded by 15. Golden State did not seem to be at 100% intensity and that might be because of the way they dominated the Cavs in recent times, but now they will surely pe put on guard tonight in Game 2.

The Cavs were rated as the biggest underdog of the last 15 NBA finals, but they kept grinding in Game 1 and found themselves having the game in their hands in the final moments of regulation. They were down 1 and George Hill had two freethrows with 5 seconds lest. An 80% shooter, Hill missed the second one, but JR Smith got the offensive rebound. However, Smith thought the Cavs were ahead and dribbled out the clock instead of taking a layup. This took all momentum from Cleveland, and they were blown out of the gym in overtime, ending up losing by 10 points.

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Team news: Andre Iguodala is likely to miss Game 2 for Golden State, although he`s officially listed as questionable. The big news however is that Klay Thompson is also questionable after suffering a knee concussion in Game 1. However, he played through it in that game, and he`s expected to feature in Game 2 as well (him and Steph Curry both suggested it). As for the Cavs, they are fully healthy, as they have been pretty much all playoffs.

While a fair case can be made that the Cavs were actually the better team in Game 1 and should have won it, it`s unlikely they will be able to repeat that performance in Game 2.

The Cavs really played pretty much their best basketball, even Lebron James admitting, quote, “we played as well tonight as we played all postseason”. There`s not much the Cavs can do better, and their morale will also be shattered after all the events from Game 1. There is a clear feeling that they had their chance to make this a series on Thursday, and they missed it in the most brutal fashion.

The Warriors on the other hand can improve in multiple areas, especially defensively. The Dubs will expect better from Kevin Durant, who was rather poor in Game 1, and they should also bring more focus and intensity, particularly on the boards and on the loose balls.

Look for the Warriors to be better prepared this time around, after probably taking Cleveland a bit lightly in Game 1. The point spread this time around is 2.5 points lower than it was in Game 1 due to what happened in that one, and due to Klay Thompson’s absence. Klay should be fine given the positive statements made by him and Curry, and also his history of toughness and not missing games. There is obviously a risk here, a risk which personally I feel is worth taking. If Klay Thompson won`t play the bet will lose all value, but it could still be covered.

All in all, my tip is Golden State to cover the 11 point (asian) handicap in Sunday`s Game 2. Prediction: Golden State Warriors – Cleveland Cavaliers 122 – 102.

Pick: Warriors -11
Odds: 1.91 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.28
Event date: 4 June

About Rostick

Born in '88. Running betting tips websites since 2007. Launched Betdistrict in 2013. Worked as a bookie for a year to spy on the other side. Rugby Union and NBA expert. Editor info & statistics.

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