NBA Finals Betting: Cavaliers at Warriors
The real Golden State Warriors finally showed up in Game 4 of the 2015 NBA Finals and as a result, the series is knotted at two games apiece heading into tonight’s all important Game 5 in Oakland. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr decided to go small with his starting lineup by replacing the largely useless Andrew Bogut with versatile swingman Andre Iguodala. The move paid off as Iggy posted 22 points and 8 rebounds alongside Steph Curry’s 22; the duo combined to hit 8-16 from three-point range, which helped ignite an offense that was riding on fumes in Games 2 and 3. Of course an off night from LeBron James, who suffered a gashed head colliding with a courtside camera, contributed to the Cavaliers’ woes, but the 33% field goal percentage as a team was the main culprit. Can the Warriors stay hot, or will the Cavs regain the momentum on the road? Here’s a preview of Game 5.
CLEVELAND AT GOLDEN STATE -8.5
LeBron’s “quiet” Game 4 can be partly excused due to his bloody encounter with said camera lens. What can’t be excused is Matthew Dellavedova and J.R. Smith missing 21 of 26 shots, including a pathetic 2-17 from beyond the arc. Timofey Mozgov took advantage of the lineup switch by racking 28 points and 10 rebounds; he along with Tristan Thompson continue to wreak havoc in the paint. However, neither is especially adept in transition defense, which led to several easy baskets from the much quicker Warriors. The Cavs had been contesting shots and holding Golden State to one-and-done possessions, but their inability to pressure the ball in Game 4 ultimately ruined their chances of winning. If LeBron’s head is okay, and they properly adjust to Kerr’s changes, they still have the players to bring home a title.
Curry’s 22 points wasn’t electrifying, but he was much sharper and in control than the previous two games. He saw the floor better and got others involved more consistently. Ande Iguodala wasn’t the only one to come up huge in the spotlight. Both Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes delivered their best performances of the series; the former totaling 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while the latter shook off his 0-point Game 3 flop by dropping 14 points and 8 boards. The team as a whole played with higher energy and increased confidence. It’s no secret they are much more potent when they start fast and don’t take their collective feet off the gas pedal. Returning home with an opportunity to regain control should be more than enough motivation to fire out of the gate. Curry still hasn’t had a signature Curry type game. As such, the Cavs are in trouble if he does.
Cleveland is 2-6 ATS in its last eight trips to Golden State. The Warriors are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home tilts. Game 4 aside, this has been a tight Finals. While the Warriors are always a threat to blow an opponent out, LeBron is keenly aware how close he is to another championship. The Cavs might not win, but they will hang around until the end.
Bet Cleveland +8.5
