For many National Basketball Association fans, the idea that the Toronto Raptors would come home for Game 5 on Monday night leading their Finals series three games to one, with two of the last three games, if necessary, to be played on the Raptors’ home floor. Injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson have played a part in the Raptors’ success, but the hot hand of Kawhi Leonard cannot be stopped, at least not yet; he put up 36 points and 12 boards in the Raptors’ 105-92 win in Game 4 on Friday night. Serge Ibaka put up 20 points on 9 of 12 shooting in just 22 minutes; the key was the third period, when Toronto outscored the Warriors, 37-21. Klay Thompson did have 28 points in Game 4, along with 27 from Stephen Curry, but that was 20 points fewer than Curry scored in Game 3 — a game the Warriors also lost. Can the Warriors develop an answer for Toronto in time to make an historic comeback? Or will the Raptors make this an unthinkably short series? Don’t miss our NBA betting preview
Warriors vs Raptors 2019 NBA Finals Game 5 Odds & Pick
When: Monday, June 10, 2019, 9:00pm ET
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
TV: ABC
Radio: ESPN Radio
Live Stream: WatchESPNNBA Odds: Toronto -3.5 / O/U 212
Why should you bet on Toronto?
Does Toronto have the confidence to win one more game and pick up the first NBA title in the history of the franchise? As long as Kawhi Leonard keeps scoring at this clip (31.1 points in the postseason) and “Spicy P” (Pascal Siakam) keeps putting up almost 20 points per game, the Raptors’ offense will keep clicking. They’re also getting double-digit scoring from Kyle Lowry, and Marc Gasol has emerged from near-NBA obscurity to average more than six boards per game. The real key has been on defense as the Raptors have frustrated the Warriors’ shooters, inside and out.
Toronto has won six of seven at home (with the lone loss coming in Game 2 against Golden State). Toronto has covered in four of their last five home games and in seven of eight overall. They are riding high on the momentum of winning two in a row on Golden State’s home floor. If you like the Raptors, you see them maintaining that consistency on both ends of the floor in Game 5. Kevin Durant is expected to start for the Warriors, returning from his calf injury, so we will see how effectively he plays — and the Raptors must respond.
Why should you put your money on Golden State?
Golden State has its season on the line, and taking down a dynasty such as what the Warriors have established will be the hardest win that Toronto has picked up this season. The fact that Kevin Durant is returning to start for the Warriors will be an encouraging factor for Golden State — but it could also be a sign of how desperate Golden State is for any positive change. Durant is still the Warriors’ leading scorer per game in these playoffs, and the Warriors have missed his 34.2 points per game in these Finals. The road has been friendly to Golden State lately, as they have won four of five away from Oracle Arena.
Golden State has also covered in three of their last five away from home, and the road team has covered in five of the last six meetings between these two teams. The “over” has won four of the last five times Toronto has played at home and in four of the last five games Golden State has played overall. If you like the Warriors, you see the return of Durant and the increase in desperation as enough to push the Warriors past Toronto.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction for Warriors vs Raptors
It’s hard to bet against the Warriors, but we’ve called for Toronto wins in Games 1 and 3 and come out on top. I see Toronto taking the game to Golden State while Kevin Durant shows just enough rust in his return for Toronto to hang on and win, 120-118.
