The Warriors took care of business at home in Game 1 of the Western Finals without Kevin Durant in the lineup and they’ll have to try and do it all over again tonight but have won five of their last six games without him.
We break down the NBA betting odds for this matchup and give our predictions and best bets for Game 2 between the Trail Blazers and Warriors.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (-7.5, 218.5)
Warriors lead series 1-0
Series Price: Warriors -910/Trail Blazers +600
QUICK HITTER
The Warriors are on of the best at getting off great starts at home, averaging just over 30 points in the first quarter of games and that held true against the Blazers in Game 1. Portland has really struggled early on in games averaging 26.9 first quarter points away from home with that number even lower over their most recent three postseason games averaging just 22.
PREDICTION: First to 25 points – Warriors
FIRST HALF BET
The Warriors have been one of the highest scoring first half teams at home averaging 59.5 points per game. While the Blazers have really struggled to get points on the board early when on the road averaging only 52 away from home and being held to just 47.3 over their most recent three games.
Look for the Warriors to continue to find their success early on in this game.
PREDICTION: First half spread Warriors -4
TEAM/PLAYER PROP
Portland’s Rodney Hood was questionable for Game 1 with a bone bruise, but still had an impact logging 17 points on only four made field goals. This was the fifth time in 10 games he scored 14 or more points. He has been efficient coming off the bench and can give the Blazers big minutes if playing well. Look for another double digit offensive performance today.
PREDICTION: Rodney Hood Over 11.5 points
FULL GAME TOTAL
The Blazers were held to 94 points in the opening game of the Western Finals as they struggled shooting. They were held to 36 percent from the floor and were only 7-of-28 from beyond the arc. On top of all of that, the Blazers committed 21 turnovers and were only bailed out by getting to the free throw line for 31 attempts.
Do not expect Portland to shoot as poorly as they did in the opening game. Damian Lillard attempting only 12 shots is not likely to happen again. Expect him more active today and fuel the Blazers offense.
PREDICTION: Over 218.5
FULL GAME SIDE
The Warriors connecting on 17 made 3-point shots is not what was expected against a Blazers team which ranked in the top 10 in opponent 3-point shots made per game.
The Blazers capitalized off points off turnovers in Game 1 but take away those numbers and their shooting percentages were insanely poor in the opening game.
If the Blazers want any chance of being competitive in this series, winning Game 2 is a must. So, at the very least you can expect them to put forth a better effort, specially considering the return of KD looms near.
PREDICTION: Trail Blazers +7.5
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