The Warriors failed to become the first team in NBA history to have a 16-0 record through the post season when they were beaten by the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Finals on Saturday. They’ll attempt to wrap up the series and win their 2nd title in three years on Tuesday as they travel back to Oakland for Game 5.
LeBron James and co. dominated the first half of Game 4, putting up a ridiculous 86 points in the half before cruising to 21-point victory, their first of the series. They’ll need to replicate their efforts last year and come back from a 3-1 deficit if they are to lift the trophy once more.
It will definitely be a much harder task than last year though. Unlike 2016, Draymond Green will be in the line-up for Game 5 as well as Kevin Durant, who has averaged over 30 points in the series so far and is the clear cut favourite for finals MVP.
Kyrie Irving came to the party in game four with a monster 40-point performance while LeBron James recorded yet another 30-point triple double. The telling factor of the game, however, was the Cavs finally being able to get some production from their role players as J.R Smith had 15 points and Tristan Thompson doing some great work on the boards.
It’s damming for the Cavs that they had to play arguably one of the best offensive games in recent history to beat the Warriors. Their production on a nightly basis surely can’t live up to those lofty expectations, and coming back to Oakland for Game 5 will have the Warriors fired up in an attempt to win the title in front of home fans.
The Warriors still put up 116 points in the Game 4 loss, and are averaging 119 through the Finals so far. Their offence is just far too potent even when they are having an off night, we think they put up over 120 in Oakland and wrap up the series here.
TIP: Golden State Warriors -8.5 - $1.95 at Sportsbet
With the exception of Game 1, every game so far has gone over 230 total points. The total point line keeps creeping up but the two teams keep managing to clear it. The Warriors are capable of putting up 130 on any given night so we’ll take the over here.
TIP: Total points OVER 230.5 - $1.92 at Ladbrokes
Kevin Durant has posted points totals of 38, 33, 31 and 35 so far this series, with three of those totals coming on 22 of fewer shots. The Warriors should defer to him in this game with Steph Curry experiencing somewhat of a shooting slump in Game 4. We think he clears his 31-point line at a canter.
TIP: Kevin Durant OVER 31.5 points - $1.88 at Sportsbet
Always Gamble Responsibly.
