At the onset of the 2021-22 season, the Warriors and Celtics were not top NBA bets favorites. Future betting focused on the usual suspects. Phoenix, Milwaukee, and the Lakers were the favorites. Boston did nothing to change perceptions with a rough first half of the season. While Golden State was considered playoff material but not much more. But down the stretch, the Celtics and Warriors were coming together. Each team proved to be well-coached with strong defenses. Boston and Golden State also have the go-to stars that can hit a bucket when it matters most.
2022 NBA Finals Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics Game 1 Odds
| Date and Time: | Thursday, June 2, 2022, 9 p.m. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Chase Center, San Francisco, CA. |
| TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | +3½ (-110) | 212½ (-110) | +145 |  |
| Warriors | -3½ (-110) | 212½ (-110) | -165 | |
| ||||
2022 NBA Finals Schedule
All Games are telecast on ABC. All Times Eastern.
- Game 1 – Thursday, June 2 – 9 p.m. – Celtics at Warriors
- Game 2 – Sunday, June 5 – 8 p.m. – Celtics at Warriors
- Gane 3 – Wednesday, June 8 – 9 p.m. – Warriors at Celtics
- Game 4 – Friday, June 10 – 9 p.m. – Warriors at Celtics
- Game 5 – Monday, June 13 – 9 p.m. – Celtics at Warriors *
- Game 6 – Thursday, June 16 – 9 p.m. – Warriors at Celtics *
- Game 7 – Sunday, June 19 – 8 p.m. – Celtics at Warriors *
* – If Necessary
SBG Odds overview – Gamblers Going Both Ways
At the beginning of this series was a relatively equal sportsbook activity. Both of these teams are highly popular with the betting public. Boston is a legacy franchise. Indeed, the Celtics are old money going back to their dynasty days of the 1960s. By contrast, the Warriors are new money. The younger generation loves Golden State for its recent success.
A Matchup of Brilliant Coaches
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr is already established as a champion and potential Hall of Fame material. Kerr led the Warriors to five consecutive berths in the NBA Finals, winning three times. Correlate that Golden State was one of the most talented teams in NBA history in those days. But this current iteration of the Warriors is entirely different. Yet Kerr has proven brilliant enough to adapt to the players he has. Now, Golden State combines Curry’s offensive prowess and strong team defenses.
Rookie head coach Ime Udoka struggled in the first half of the season with his Celtics. Boston players and the coach had to learn about each other. First-half results caused doubts about the Celtics’ ability to make the playoffs. But once New Year’s Day hit, Boston took off. Udoka has the Celtics playing strong team basketball and defense. And that is complemented by Jayson Tatum, who is blossoming into an NBA superstar.
Marquee Men of the NBA Finals
So far in the NBA Playoffs, Boston’s Jayson Tatum is averaging 27 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Tatum was the third overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft and has come into his own with 26 points per game the past two seasons.
Of course, Stephen Curry is the Warriors’ main man. Curry is averaging 25.9 points per game this postseason. He is a 3-time NBA champion.
Celtics vs. Warriors NBA Finals Free SBG Pick
In this situation, Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr are the proven champions that should make the NBA Bets difference.
Celtics vs. Warriors SBG Best Bet: Golden State Warriors.