8 months of exciting NBA action culminates in what is sure to be an eventful NBA Finals. The Golden State Warriors are heavy $1.30 favourites in their 5th consecutive Finals appearance, while the Toronto Raptors are substantial $3.50 underdogs in their first Finals appearance. We’ll take a look at what you can expect to see over the next few weeks, providing our 2 best bets in the process.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors had another impressive regular season, managing 58 wins and the #2 seed despite Kawhi Leonard playing just 60 games. They’ve had a relatively difficult path to reaching the NBA Finals, overcoming every obstacle in their way. This started in round 1 of the playoffs, where they lost the first game at home, before winning 4 straight to claim the series convincingly. This was followed by an epic series with the 76ers that was one of the best Conference Semis in recent memory. Toronto overcame a 2-1 deficit without homecourt to seal the series in 7 on an incredible Kawhi buzzer beater.
This set up a rematch with the 60-win Bucks, who had the best record in the NBA. Despite going down 0-2, the Raptors figured things out and won the last 4 straight, bringing Canada their first NBA Finals games. Kawhi Leonard has been their main man throughout the playoffs, averaging 31.8 points, 8.8 boards, and 3.8 assists. Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry both also deserve a ton of credit, averaging a combined 33 points, 12 boards, and 9 assists.
Golden State Warriors
While no stranger to the NBA Finals, the Warriors made it comfortably this year despite facing a myriad of injuries. Despite a lacklustre regular season, they still managed to win 57 games and earn the #1 seed in a competitive Western Conference. This set up a meeting with the 48-win Clippers, who surprisingly pushed the reigning champs to 6 games. This led to a very intriguing Conference Semis matchup with Houston, which many believed to be the real NBA Finals. Even after injuries to DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant, Golden State pushed through to win in 6 tough games.
This set up a surprise Conference Finals with the Blazers, who were no answer for the Warriors en route to a sweep. Point Guard Stephen Curry has arguably been the MVP of the playoffs so far, averaging 27.3 points, 6.3 boards, and 5.6 assists. Draymond Green was also incredible in the Conference Finals, notching consecutive triple-doubles to seal the series. After averaging over 34 points through his first 11 playoff games, Kevin Durant remains out indefinitely.
Prediction: Warriors 4-2 $3.40
While the Warriors are deserved favourites entering this series the Raptors are very live underdogs at $3.50. I think this will be tighter than most people predict, especially given Golden State’s injuries. Instead of taking the Warriors at just $1.30, there is immense value on them closing it out in 6 at $3.40. They have the far superior top-end talent of these two sides, especially if Kevin Durant returns in time for game 3.
Stephen Curry looks in incredible form right now, while Kawhi appears to be battling a range of injuries. The Warriors have also got a notable experience edge at this stage of the playoffs, which is hugely important in the Finals. In what will be the last season at Oracle Arena, I expect them to be incredibly motivated to close this out at home. I think Toronto are too good to get swept, leaving a game 6 home win as the most likely close-out scenario.
Finals MVP: Stephen Curry $1.70
Despite putting up some great numbers in recent Finals runs, Steph Curry is still yet to get that elusive Finals MVP. He definitely deserved it in 2015 and had a 50/50 shot in 2018, yet the media still criticise him relentlessly for not claiming the award. Early indications are that KD will return around game 3, meaning Steph likely carries the load for most of the series. Especially given his impeccable form, I expect him to be incredibly motivated here and prove the doubters wrong. Draymond Green is a decent roughie at $5.50 if Golden State get up and Kawhi at $3.50 looks like the logical choice if the Raptors pull off an upset.