Although it looked dicey at times, the Golden State Warriors have won the Western Conference and have advanced to the NBA Finals for a fourth consecutive season. And for a fourth straight time, they’ll face the Cleveland Cavaliers. BetDSI Sportsbook has posted the opening lines on the series but this time, the Warriors are a much bigger favorite:
2018:
Cavaliers +600
Warriors -750
2017:
Cavaliers +220
Warriors -260
2016:
Cavaliers +180
Warriors -210
2015:
Cavaliers +190
Warriors -240
The Warriors were pushed to the brink by the Houston Rockets, needed to extend themselves a full seven games to get the job done. On Monday, they edged the Warriors 101-92 in another game that turned around in the second half. In Game 6, the Warriors trailed by 17 but came back to win. In Game 7, they trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half before managing to wrest control in the third quarter.
The main issue for the Rockets was their three-point shooting. They finished the day seven-of-44, which is absolutely horrendous – especially at home in a Game 7. At one point, the missed as many as 26 consecutive three-point attempts.
As was common place in this series, the game turned in the third quarter. The Rockets led by 11 at the half but found themselves trailing by seven entering the fourth. Kevin Durant and Steph Curry led the way, combining for 61 points. They combined to shoot 12-of-26 from three-point land.
Up next for the Warriors is a familiar foe: the Cavaliers. This is viewed as one of the Cavaliers weakest teams but they still have LeBron James. The Warriors have been posted as an 11.5-point favorite for Game 1, which will take place on Thursday night. Golden State won the 2015 showdown 4-2 before losing the 2016 Finals 4-3. The Warriors bounced back last season, defeating the Cavaliers 4-1 and will now look to win their third title in the last four seasons.
