Betdistrict.com
The Golden State Warriors will attempt to put one hand on the NBA Championship, as they try to take a 3-0 lead with the series moving back to Cleveland.
Cleveland hasn`t played particularly bad in the first two games, and they were actually pretty solid in Game 2. However, they still lost by 22 and 19 points respectively, having absolutely no answer for Kevin Durant and Steph Curry, both of which are averaging double doubles with 30+ points per game in this series. What`s worse, the large points differentials in the first two games were actually a bit flattering for the Cavs.
Golden State looked like they could win Game 1 and Game 2 by 30+ points, but garbage time and missed layups made the scores a bit more respectable. The Warriors were utterly dominant so far in this series, and that`s no surprise considering the talent at their disposal. They won by shooting poorly and turning the ball over, they won by shooting great and not turning the ball over. They won when Cavs played poorly, they won when Cavs played well – no matter what each team did, the gap between GSW and Cleveland seemed to stay the same.
Bet on Cavaliers vs Warriors and claim your 100% (100 Eur) bonus at Ohmbet now!These NBA finals were in the same position last year, when Golden State blew Cleveland out in the first two matches at home, but eventually lost 3-4. However, it truly feels different now. Unlike last year, Cleveland played pretty well in the first two games – they were just the worse team and couldn`t impose their physicality. Now the Warriors also have Kevin Durant, and those finals last year were a fluke anyway, as the Warriors were decimated by injuries and suspensions.
The fact that Cleveland could not dominate the paint is a disaster for them, as it was their only chance to challenge this Warriors team. Golden State did a great job of protecting the rim and rebounding with Pachulia, McGee, Green and Durant, and there really isn`t any sign to suggest that could change in Game 3.
The only chance Cleveland has is for role players like JR Smith, Kyle Korver or Deron Williams to start hitting shots. These guys were dreadful in the first two games and it`s a known fact that role players perform better at home. However, they don`t just need to hit shots – they need to hit a lot of them, constantly. It`s unlikely for 2-3 of these old players to explode out of the blue.
When it`s all said and done, the Warriors are just a younger and much better team and they are unlikely to lose against a Cavs team that simply can not defend. Look for Durant and Curry to light it up again against Cleveland’s old and slow defenders, particularly in transition, when GSW are unstoppable.
This matchup between GSW`s offense and Cleveland’s defense, along with Cleveland’s inability to dominate in the paint (where they thought they were superior), leaves the Cavs with very little solutions (if any) to win a game against these Warriors. Cavs have to play great and Golden State has to have an off night, that`s pretty much it.
I have no choice but to back Golden State to win again. Cleveland can not defend this team and even if I expect a better showing from the Cavs and a tighter game, I think the Warriors will take a 3-0 lead here – and finish the series off in 4 of 5 games, as I predicted from the start.
I won`t be handicapping this Game 3, as I expect the Cavaliers to keep it a bit closer than it was the case back in Oakland. Even though I do think Golden State will eventually cover the point spread and win by 5-10 points, I`d rather bet maximum stakes on a straight win than 8 units on the handicap. Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers – Golden State Warriors 107 – 114.
Pick: Warriors
Odds: 1.67 @ 1xBet
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 6.70
Event date: 8 June
