Before the NBA Finals began, the general consensus was that we were going to see a long series that would stretch to 6 or 7 games. Depending on what happens in Game 4 on Friday night, this one might well be over in 5. The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to breathe a little life back into the series by winning Game 3 on home court to get the series back to just a 2-1 deficit. The Cavs know that the job is only half done, though, as their stunning lack of success in the opening 2 games in Oakland almost requires them to get this series tied up before heading back out to the west coast. All of the pressure is on Cleveland in Game 4, but that will be nothing compare to what they will be feeling on Monday night if they cannot get this series tied up. The big question that has to be answered for this one is whether the Warriors will be looking to win their second straight championship or not. The betting odds suggest that its exactly what they will be doing.
Cleveland Cavaliers Vs Golden State Warriors NBA Odds Analysis, Game 5
When: Monday, June 13 at 9 PM EST
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland
TV: ABC
Radio: WTAM and KNBR
NBA Odds: TBA
Why bet on the Cleveland Cavaliers
It is going to be interesting to see what Cleveland does in regards Kevin Love. They are a better offensive team with Love on the court, but it’s definitely fair to say that they lose a little in their own end when he plays. This is not to lay all of the blame on their opening two losses of the series on Love, but they did look a little more solid in Game 3 when he was out with a concussion. There is no word yet as to whether or not he will play on Friday night, but you do have to believe that he will be ready to go by Monday. I believe he has to start of he is ready, as the Cavs are going to need all of their best men on the court.
Why bet on the Golden State Warriors
The Warriors, for whatever reason, were not at their best in Game 3, but if we learned anything from the first 2 games of the Finals, it’s that this team can turn it on when needed. How they play on Monday is very likely going to depend on how things go in Cleveland on Friday night. If they can sneak the win on the road and have the chance to win it all in front of their own fan, look for them to put on a stunning offensive display. If, on the other hand, they come in with the series tied 2-2, I think they will play a more patient game in an effort to wear Cleveland down.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
I like the Warriors to get the win in Game 4, which means they would be playing to win it all in Game 5. I don’t see them being stopped on home court, so look for Golden State to repeat as champions on Monday night.
Cleveland Cavaliers 98 Golden State Warriors 115
