Betdistrict.com
The Golden State Warriors will return home at Oracle Arena after almost three weeks, when they host the Toronto Raptors in Game 3 of the NBA finals on Wednesday night.
The Warriors come back home having earned a solid 1-1 split in the first two games on the road. Still without Kevin Durant and with other players (Iguodala, Thompson, Looney, Cousins) struggling with fitness, the Warriors did very well to steal a game in Toronto. They lost Game 1, but won Game 2 thanks to an exceptional third quarter. The Dubs are now 6-1 since KD went down in these playoffs and just keep on winning games and playing great basketball – which isn’t really surprising.
The Raptors had a difficult playoff run to reach this stage for the first time in their history, but it was an impressive run nevertheless. After winning Game 1 they had high hopes in these finals, but got slapped by the Warriors in Game 2 and lost their edge in the series. However, Golden State`s injuries might give the Raptors a good chance to earn back home court advantage, and Game 3 might be their best option to do that.
Bet on Warriors v Raptors and claim your 100% (120 Eur) welcome bonus at LSbet!Team news: The Warriors are still without Durant, and now Looney is out as well. What`s worse, Klay Thompson is questionable and there are serious doubts over his availability tonight. In fact, chances are he won`t play (he will be a game time decision). Meanwhile, the Raptors are fully healthy.
The Warriors have shown a fantastic “next man up” in these playoffs, while struggling with serious injuries. Curry, Green and Thompson have been brilliant in leading the way, and the role players stepped up big time.
Tonight might be the biggest challenge for the Warriors considering that Klay Thompson might miss the game, or, at best, will be limited in minutes.
In these circumstances, Steph Curry must be expected to have a big night. Steph has been formidable since Kevin Durant went down, scoring 33 or more points in 6 of the 7 games played without KD. The only time he failed to score over 33 was in the previous game against the Raptors, when he was sick and only dropped 23.
With no KD and with Klay out or limited, Steph will have to do a lot, and his shot attempts will go up. He`s the best player, best scorer and the engine of this team, so it will be up to him to deliver this game for the Dubs.
It`s true that at the same time there will be more focus on him from Toronto`s defense, so it will be harder for him to get his shots up – especially as the Raptors are a great defensive team, and defended him very well at the end of Game 2 with an innovative “Box and one” strategy (a strategy which can not be used regularly). But Steph is arguably the best tough shot maker in the league, and also the aggressive defense will translate into more fouls and free throws.
You have to feel that Steph will go off in this game. Even without the injuries he would be expected to score 33+ points considering he did it in 6 of the last 7 games. In the current circumstances the 31.5 points line looks extra tasty.
My tip will be Steph Curry to score over 31.5 points. Prediction: Golden State Warriors – Toronto Raptors 111 – 106.
Pick: Curry over 31,5 points
Odds: 1.80 @ Unibet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 7.20
Event date: 6 June
