So far so good. Following last year’s pattern, the Golden State Warriors started out as the basketball gambling favorites to win the NBA finals, and won game 1 by double digits at home. And we all know how that turned out. The Cavaliers had 20 TOs – 12 in the first half – to the Dubs’ four, which is tied for lowest in the finals. “20 in the Finals is not going to get it done,” Kyrie Irving said. If only those round basketball were flat like the Earth, they’d probably so much easier to get a grip on. And now, bring on game 2.
Date: Sunday, 4th June
Venue: Oracle Arena
Sportsbook NBA online basketball gambling odds:
Cavaliers +8½ (-110) 221 (-110) +335
Warriors -8½ (-110) 221 (-110) -420
Cleveland
Key players: LeBron James fell short of 30 points for only the second time this postseason, posting 28 with 15 rebounds and eight assists. The King passed Reggie Miller for second place on the NBA postseason list for most three-pointers. Randal Graves once said, “there’s only one Return, and it ain’t of the king.” It’s time to prove him wrong, LeBron. Elsewhere, Irving scored 24 points and Kevin Love added 15 and 21 rebounds.
NBA online betting odds trends: The Cavs dropped their second game – and first on the road –of the playoffs, and have lost 50% of their last 10 meetings with the Warriors. On a more positive note, Cleveland has covered in two thirds of their last six games against Golden State and is 4-1-1 against the spread in the last six road games. The basketball gambling total has gone over in 15 of the Cavs’ last 22 and under in 80% of the Cavaliers encounters with the Warriors.
Golden State
Key players: As to what the biggest difference from last year was, James said, “KD.” Durant had 38 points, eight rebounds and eight assists – though all things considered, it could be said that he only made a difference of seven points compared to last year’s game 1. Stephen Curry added 28 points and 10 assists. Klay Thompson went 0-for-5 from the three-point line but played better defense than offense. And starting center Zaza Pachulia returned to the lineup so, watch out King. Just sayin’. While he is not a player, it is worth nothing that head coach Steve Kerr remained in the locker room as he continues to struggle with complications from back surgery. “My heart goes out to him,” Adam Silver said. Huh. Judge Doom has a heart?
NBA online betting odds trends: The Warriors won their 13th straight game of the playoffs, and their sixth of the last eight times hosting the Cavs. Golden State has covered in six of the last seven games as well as in 11 of their last 16 games versus the Cavs at Oracle Arena. The basketball gambling total has gone over in five of the Warriors’ last six games, under in 15 of their last 23 home games, and under in six of their last seven at home versus Cleveland.