NBA Finals Game 1 Prediction
The 2019 NBA Finals get underway tonight when the Toronto Raptors play host to the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the series at 9PM ET?
521 Golden State Warriors vs. 522 Toronto Raptors
Thursday, May 30, 2019
9PM ET – Scotiabank Arena
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Raptors are the slight favorite at home, as they are getting odds of -1.5 points against the Warriors. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 213.5 points. The public betting for the contest has 73 percent going on the Warriors as a road underdog. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Warriors on a long rest
The Golden State Warriors swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals and are on a six-game win streak. However, they haven’t played since May 20. Golden State is 69-29 on the season, 33-16 on the road, 42-54-2 against the spread and 50-47-1 with the under.
The Warriors are averaging 117.7 points per game on offense this season while shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from the arc. Defensively, Golden State gives up 111.2 points per game while opponents shoot just 44.4 percent against them. Injuries have piled up for Golden State as Kevin Durant remains out with his calf injury and DeMarcus Cousins is questionable tonight with a quad injury. Stephen Curry has been leading the team with 27.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game in the playoffs while Draymond Green is averaging 13.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 8.2 assists per contest.
Raptors run past the Bucks
Toronto fell behind 0-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, but rallied to win and cover the spread in four straight games to advance to their first NBA Finals. The Raptors are now 70-30 on the season, 40-11 at home, 48-52 against the spread and 50-47-3 with the over.
The Raptors have been strong defensively this season, allowing 108.4 points per game while holding opponents to 44.9 percent shooting. Offensively, Toronto is averaging 114.4 points per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field. Kawhi Leonard has been tremendous this postseason. He is averaging 31.2 points. 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game in the playoffs. Pascal Siakam is adding 18.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Golden State
The Warriors are 2-6 against the spread in their last eight against Eastern Conference opponents and 7-18 ATS in their last 25 against Atlantic Division opponents.
Toronto
The Raptors are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games following a win, but 1-8 ATS in their last nine games on three days of rest or more.
Prediction:
This game will probably be a feel out for both teams, but I think the Warriors should be okay. Toronto hasn’t started their playoff series very well, going 2-4 over Game’s 1 & 2 thus far. While at home, I think the Warriors should be fine on offense. They have played very well without Durant and have the better, and more proven, scoring options. Leonard can only do so much defensively, so I think Golden State can expose the favorable matchups.
NBA Prediction: Golden State Warriors +1.5