It’s something of a clichéd statement, but it is certainly true that it is difficult to repeat as a champion, no matter the sport being played. This is especially true in the era of huge salaries and free agencies, with the best players often moving on to pastures new on a regular basis. The Golden State Warriors are the team trying to repeat as the NBA champion, and after a record-breaking regular season, it certainly looked as though they were the favorites to do just that. There was nothing through the first two round that suggested they would be in any real danger, but they have run into a brick wall in the form of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Final. Game 5 is set for Thursday night in Oakland, and the Warriors are on the brink of elimination after going down 3-1 in the series. The sports betting odds may have them as a favorite in this one, but you have to wonder if this is the end of the road for the champs.
A Look at the Oklahoma City at Golden State WCF Betting Pick Game 5 & TV Info
When: Thursday, May 26 at 9 PM EST
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland
TV: TNT
Live Stream: NBA.com
NBA Odds: TBA
Why Bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder?
You have to give full credit to the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they have had the most difficult path to the Finals of any team left in the playoffs. To be forced to go through the Spurs and the Warriors is no easy feat, but they are starting to make it look pretty easy. There were many who wrote this bunch off after getting blown out in Game 2 of this series, but they bounced back in a big way, and took both of their home games in surprisingly comfortable fashion. You look at the scoring lines for all 4 games and you see that it is either Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook who have come up with the most points in a game. If that trend continues, OKC will be moving on.
Why Bet on the Golden State Warriors?
What has happened to the Warriors team that looked almost unbeatable in the regular season? It’s tough to say for sure, but we are all beginning to wonder just how healthy Stephen Curry actually is. He has had a few injury issues to deal with in this postseason, and you get the sense that he really isn’t anywhere near 100%. That aside, you have to like the Warriors at home, as they have gone 6-1 in the postseason, although the sole loss did come at the hands of this Thunder team. Golden State is a team with a lot of pride, and they will not go down without a fight, but this is a long road back for them this time around.
Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction
The health of Steph Curry may give you paus before you log in to your mobile betting account and place a wager on the Warriors for Game 5, but I still think this team has something left in the tank. I believe it will be a close one, but the Warriors will stay alive at home.
