NBA Finals 2016 Latest Cavaliers vs. Warriors Odds and Predictions After Game 1
One game doesn't decide the NBA championship, but we know the Golden State Warriors are not about to let the Cleveland Cavaliers have an easy run to a title that has eluded their city for 52 years.
The Warriors came away with a 104-89 victory in Game 1 on Thursday, but it was not as easy as the final score indicated.
After trailing by as many as 14 points, the Cavs mounted a third-quarter comeback and took a one-point lead, 68-67.
But that woke up the Warriors, who responded with a 13-0 run, which eventually became a 21-4 burst that turned the game into a decisive Golden State victory.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told ABC's Doris Burke during a sideline interview that he didn't like the way his team played in the third quarter. He said Golden State did not play like it was a "June game" in the third quarter. After he reminded his team of the high stakes, the Warriors went on their run.
This was not the usual Golden State victory, since it did not come as a result of wondrous shooting from Splash Brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Those two combined for 20 points, but the Warriors got big contributions from their supporting cast.
Shaun Livingston led the way with 20 points, while Draymond Green had 16, Harrison Barnes had 13 and Andre Iguodala added 12.
The Warriors are attempting to validate their 73-9 regular-season record by winning another NBA title. They are minus-119 favorites (bet $119 to win $100) to win the series, according to Odds Shark, while the Cavaliers are plus-167 underdogs.
The Warriors have taken the early lead in the series, which means the Cavaliers are not capable of sweeping the series. Odds Shark had that as the longest possibility on the board at the start of the series, as the Cavs were plus-2,500 long shots to sweep the Warriors.
On the other hand, the Warriors have plus-700 odds to sweep Cleveland and plus-300 odds to win the series in five or seven games.
Curry is the odds-on favorite to become the NBA Finals MVP this year at minus-125, while LeBron James is listed at plus-200. Thompson is plus-500, Green is plus-850 and Kyrie Irving is plus-900. No other player on either team has odds of better than plus-2,000 to win the honor.
Odds Shark also provided an overview of the prop bets that have been offered in the series.
Predictions
The motivation for both teams is compelling.
The Warriors are poised to write a vital chapter in NBA history if they can defend their title. They will be able to state their case for recognition as the best NBA team of all time if they win the championship.
While there are several teams that could raise an argument, including the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls of the 1990s, the Magic Johnson-led Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s and the dynastic Bill Russell-led Boston Celtics of the 1960s, the Warriors would have a legitimate argument with back-to-back championships.
The Cavaliers are not only fighting for the first championship in their history, but they are also playing for the glory of their victory-starved city. No team from Cleveland has won a championship in any of the major professional sports since 1964. That's when Jim Brown led the Cleveland Browns to the NFL championship.
Heartbreak for Cleveland and certified greatness for the Warriors are the likely results in the series. Look for Golden State to bring home the title in six games.
Curry may be the favorite to win the MVP award, but we believe Iguodala will come home with it this year. If that sounds familiar, it's because it is. Iguodala won the award last year as well.
If he can do it again, his backers will get a bountiful return thanks to his plus-3,000 odds.
All betting information courtesy of Odds Shark.
