The first two games of these NBA Finals have been real head-scratchers for those who saw Cleveland as ready for redemption on the biggest stage. After all, LeBron James had assembled the roster of his choice. The two co-stars he picked, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, are healthy and on the floor with him this year, unlike last year, when James almost willed the Cavs to a title with those two on the shelf. Don’t forget to check for more odds and lines for MLB by clicking here.
Golden State at Cleveland NBA Finals Betting Pick Game 3 & Game Info
When: Wednesday, June 8, 9:00pm Eastern time
Where: The Q Arena, Cleveland
TV: ABC
Radio: Cleveland / Golden StateLive Stream: NBA.comNBA Odds: Cleveland -110, Golden State -110
However, that hasn’t been the case. The Warriors won Game 1, 104-89, with the Cavs missing point blank shot after point blank shot, but there was still optimism in Ohio, because surely the Cavs weren’t going to shoot that poorly again. After the first quarter in Game 2, Cleveland was up 21-19. After that point, though, the Warriors outscored Cleveland 91-56 of the last three periods to deliver a 110-77 clinic.
Why should you bet on Golden State?
Remember that Stephen Curry still hasn’t hit the 20-point mark in these Finals, and his team has still demolished Cleveland. He just had 11 points in Game 1, going 4 for 15 and 3 for 8 from downtown. In Game 2, he was 7 for 11 (4 for 8 from behind the arc), posting 18 points. If you’re a Cleveland fan, this might be the scariest statistic of all, because he hasn’t had to do much of anything. If he becomes a force in Game 3, even if the Cavs start a three-fest along the lines of what they put up against Detroit or Atlanta in the earlier rounds, the Warriors might even take a 3-0 lead.
Why should you put your money on the Cavaliers?
The Cavaliers did not play well in their first two road games in the East finals, losing both by significant margins to the Toronto Raptors. Returning to their home floor gave them the energy they needed to push by the Raptors, and ultimately get the clinching win on the road in Game 6. James faces a crucial test in his leadership skills in this series. In past series, when things have looked bleak, he has largely disappeared. If he decides to assert himself and lift his team to new heights, then we will have a 2-1 series, and possibly a 2-2 series going back to Oakland.
Expert Betting Pick and Final Prediction
I’ve seen James fold in the past, but he has elevated his game this year. Going back home to Cleveland should help the Cavs play with more energy, and it should help James find ways around the defensive work of Andre Iguodala. I’m predicting a 115-110 Cleveland win.
