NBA Finals Previews and Predictions

The NBA Finals have two ends of the spectrum. The Warriors are the experienced veterans. They’ve been there, done that. A team who once reached five straight finals return after a 2 year hiatus. The team is led by the same core who brough them to the promise land in 2015, 2017 and 2018. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green look to bring a new roster and implant themselves as the greatest once again. 

 

The Boston Celtics however, are the new guys on the block. They’re homegrown and hungry for NBA immortality. In the last 5 seasons, the Celtics have fallen short in the Eastern Conferenece Finals three times. The C’s certainly has new age stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart. The three guys have spent their entire career in Boston. After recent playoff blunders, many analysts and journalists urged the front office to split them up, but they remained resilient and continue to prove that their patience will pay off. 

 

The Warriors have dominated all season, especially after “Klay Day,” a holiday in San Francisco to celebrate the Thompson returning to the court after being injured for the last two seasons – suffering a ruptured achilles and a torn ACL. Curry has always done Curry things, but this year in particular he took the crown for most 3 pointers made ever. He passed legends like Ray Allen and Reggie Miller. Currently at 3,117 and counting. 

 

Boston has not had the smooth pathway their opponent did. They started the season 23-24 and found themselves in 10th place. The lackluster play landed them fighting for a play in  tournament spot. What ignited the change? A call out on national television from Smart, critizing lack of ball movement, and poor play. 

 

“I think everybody’s scouting report is to make those guys try and pass the ball. They don’t want to pass the ball, and that’s something that they’re going to learn. They’re still learning and we’re proud of the progress they are making, but they’re going to have to make another step and find ways to not only create for themselves but create for others on this team, to open up the court for them later in the game where they don’t always have to take those tough shots or take tough matchups when they do get the 1-on-1.” Smart commented after a loss against the Bulls at home – blowing a 19 point lead. 

 

Since then, the Celtics have revived their season and catapulted themselves to finsh 2nd place in the east, and ending the season on a 17-5 run after the all star break. The Celtics have committed themselves to playing hard defense and ranked 1st in oppenents points per game, opponents field goal percentage and point differntial since January 23rd. The teams determination to play steller defensive helped Smart was awarded Defensive Player of the Year, making him the first guard to win it since Gary Payton in 1996. 

Who’s Taking Home Larry O’Brien?

The Warriors are coming back to remind everyone just the kind of powerhouse they are. After a few seasons torn down by injuries, people are forgetting how tough this team is. Curry and Co’ are back and will win one last trophy together. Why? The experience. Everyone has been here before. They know exactly what it takes to win it. Finally, Curry will take home the Finals Most Valuble Player award by a landslide. 

 

Boston has a great squad – obviously. You don’t make it to the finals without one. Their defense is spectacular and physical, yes. They have an all-star in Jayson Tatum, yes (he’s legit too). Yet, it won’t be enough. Ime Udoka, rookie head coach, doesn’t have the championship veteran leadership. He’s done a great job adapting, coaching and turning around the season but it won’t be enough to overcome Steve Kerr, 3x champion as a coach and 5x champion as a player. 

 

He’s been there, he’s done that.  

 

Betting  Props 

 

Bet the Warriors. Bet them now. 

 

After that, bet Curry for Finals MVP. 

 

After that, tell your friends to do the same. 

 

No, but really, put money on Golden State. Here are some good parlays below to help win  some extra cash:

 

Stephen Curry 40+ points in any series game and GSW win series for +340. 

He’s dropped a 40 burger 23 times, and 1 time in the finals. He’s the best 3 point shooter, ever. He can drop it any night. 

 

Jordan Poole to score 15+ points in all series games +1500

The Michigan standout has averaged 18 in the playoffs this year, and 29 against the Celtics. Yes, 29 points per game. Take the bet. 

 

Draymond Green to have the highest rebound average in the series  +750. 

The guy grabs 9 boards per playoff game, it’s not as risky as Fanduel is making it out to be.