Boston Celtics at Golden State Warriors
The Celtics have outlasted the Bucks and Heat in back to back gruelling game 7 series. So a road trip to San Francisco for Game 1 of the NBA finals is a tough challenge but this team is proving to be up for the fight. They've struggled with injuries throughout the last series against the Heat to Smart and Robert Williams. However, they both looked healthy in the last few games and that's great news for Boston. Smart is one of their most important pieces and if he plays well in the finals, Boston should lift the trophy. Tatum had a consistent series against the Heat as he averaged 25 points per game and is a solid value target in the 30+ point markets. The same can be said for Jaylen Brown after he averaged 24 points in the Heat series and should be a good target in the 25+ point markets throughout the finals. While playing the Warriors on the road should be tough, Boston have won 4 of their last 5 road games against them. In this year's playoffs, they're also 7-2 on the road and have won 3 straight road games.
The Warriors come off a comfortable 4-1 series victory over the Mavericks and will be well-rested compared to Boston. They also get home-court advantage to start the NBA finals and they're yet to be defeated at home in this year's playoffs (9-0). Their last 4 wins at home have been via a 10+ margin as well. Steph Curry was a bit quiet in his last 2 games, scoring just 15 and 20 pts. So he'll be looking to start the series with a bang and looks good value to hit 30+ if Game 1 turns into a shootout. Wiggins had a nice series against the Mavs as he averaged 18 points per game and will be important if the likes of Curry and Thompson struggle. Klay Thompson had an inconsistent series against the Mavs but he usually warms into a series. Highlighted by the fact he's scored 30+ points in Game 5 against the Mavs and Game 6 against the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, Draymond Green's competitive nature will be a key against the likes of Williams and Horford. In terms of injuries, the Warriors are expecting Gary Payton can return from injury. Otto Porter is day to day with a foot injury and could play in Game 1.
This should be a close series and we're hoping for a Game 7 decider. The Celtics have plenty of momentum after defeating the Heat in Miami and they should be well prepared for Game 1. During the playoffs, the Celtics have covered in 8 of their last 10 as a road underdog. They've also won 4 of their last 5 games when they're the road team in this matchup.
Stadium Record
The Warriors are on a 9-0 run at home in the playoffs. Boston are 4-1 against the Warriors on the road.
Head to Head Record
This season, the head to head is locked at 1-1. Golden State won the first matchup in Boston, 111-107. Boston countered with a 110-88 victory in March.
Best Bet
