NBA Finals Game 5 Pick
Can the Golden State Warriors finish off the Cleveland Cavaliers when the NBA Finals moves back to California for Game 5 tonight at 9PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Warriors are favored at home tonight, as they are getting odds of -8.5 points against the Cavs. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 230.5 points.
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Cleveland avoided a sweep with a 137-116 win over the Warriors in Cleveland for Game 4. The Warriors still hold a 3-1 lead in the series, but their bid for 16-0 in the playoffs is over. Golden State is now 82-16 overall, 44-5 at home and 51-44-3 against the spread. Cleveland is 64-35 overall, 27-23 on the road and 45-50-4 against the spread.
The Cavs got the win in Game 4 on Friday behind some remarkable shooting. They put up 49 points in the first quarter alone and ended up 24-of-45 from 3-point land for the contest. Kyrie Irving led the way with 40 points, including 7 3-pointers. LeBron James had his ninth NBA Finals triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Golden State wasn’t terrible shooting, but was just 11-of-39 from the arc. Kevin Durant put up 35 points while Draymond Green had 16 points with 14 assists. Stephen Curry added 14 points and 10 assists.
Game 4 was nice for Cleveland and all, but it was fool’s gold. The Cavs beat the Warriors are their own game, but that’s not something that can continue. Cleveland isn’t going to hit 24 3-pointers again tonight or for another three games. The Cavs need to win with improved defense, because it can’t consistently outscore the Warriors in a shootout. Golden State still had 116 points and didn’t shoot that well. Now back at home, their offense should be better and Cleveland won’t be able to keep up.
NBA FINALS GAME 5 PREDICTION: GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS -8.5