The first ever NBA Finals game to be played outside the United States tips off Thursday at 9 Eastern as the Toronto Raptors host the Golden State Warriors. Kevin Durant will be sitting out his sixth straight playoff game, while DeMarcus Cousins is listed as questionable as the Dubs quest for a three-peat begins its final stage. **video
We break down the NBA betting odds for this matchup and give our predictions and best bets for Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Warriors and Raptors.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS AT TORONTO RAPTORS (-1, 213.5)
Series price: Raptors +230/Warriors -285
QUICK HITTER
Quick starts have been keys to success for both squads all year with the Warriors ranking first in the Association in first quarter points per game on the road, notching 30.9 per contest. On the other side, the Raptors average 28 at home in the first quarter of games. The Warriors are coming off a series sweep versus the Blazers where in the final game they put up 36 points in the opening frame. They should be well rested and will be looking to get out to a quick start once again.
PREDICTION: First quarter spread Warriors +0.5
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FIRST HALF BET
The most recent three games between these two squads have produced high scoring first half totals, 60-59 in favor of Golden State. This number is so high due in large part to the 81 first half points the Warriors put up versus the Raptors in the Scotiabank Arena on Jan. 13th. Look for both offenses to be clicking early on.
PREDICTION: First half total Over 109
TEAM/PLAYER PROP
Although Kawhi Leonard averaged only 3.3 assists per game in the regular season, he logged seven and nine assists in the Raptors final two games in the Eastern Finals against the Bucks. Leonard will be putting up big minutes in the Finals and should be involved in a lot of different offensive sets for the Raptors, whether that is scoring, or assisting.
PREDICTION: Kawhi Leonard Over 3.5 assists
FULL GAME TOTAL
The most recent three games in the head-to-head have produced high scoring games, largely in part to lots of points scored at halftime. The Warriors lead the Association in field goal percentage, and points per game when playing on the road. The Raptors rank in the top 10 in shooting percentage at home, and average over 113.7 points per game on their home court. Look for both teams to play at a decently fast pace, meaning lots of opportunities to put up points.
PREDICTION: Over 213.5
FULL GAME SIDE
The Raptors have won five straight at home and took both of the meetings with the Warriors this season. But with injuries and roster changes this is essentially a fresh matchup. Since the 2015-16 postseason the Warriors have won 12 straight series openers and have posted an 8-4 ATS record throughout that stretch. The Raptors are 3-15 SU in series openers but have a big edge in terms of scoring from their reserves and are relatively much healthier. The Raptors need to come out with a sense of urgency with the Warriors missing Durant. If they want to make their mark on this series, the time is now.
PREDICTION: Raptors moneyline
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