The Scout: NBA Finals Game 1

Posted on May 30, 2019May 30, 2019 | Posted by The Scout

Golden State Warriors Game @ Toronto Raptors
31^st May, 9.05am WST

“The Warriors of old” are back, playing free-flowing basketball, with plenty of ball movement orchestrated by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Curry in particular is playing the best playoff basketball of his career with 35 points per game since Kevin Durant went down with injury.

The Raptors have been fantastic at home. They were undefeated there in the Conference Finals against Milwaukee and are 8-2 overall through the playoffs. A well-executed team defense has been significant to the success of this team in the post season, combined with Kawhi Leonard’s 31 points per game.

It’s still so early but Game 1 feels incredibly important for Toronto. Win and they’re right in the series, lose and they risk heading back to Oakland with a 2-0 deficit. At the very least they need to split the opening two games.

The Warriors have a range of defenders to throw at Kawhi Leonard, but it might take a game (or two) to halt him in his current form. The x-factor is Raptors backup guard Fred VanVleet who is shooting 82.4% (14 of 17) from three and averaging 16 points in the last three games.

We’ve seen teams take a while to get back into rhythm after an extended break (10 days) like the Warriors have had, and the Raptors simply wont get a better chance at them than here in front of their home fans.

Suggested Bet: Raptors WIN @ $1.81*

Suggested Bet: Fred VanVleet Points 10+ @ $1.80*

*Odds correct as at 1.30pm WST 30th May 2019.

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