[h=2]Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors[/h]Game 5 lines: Warriors minus-8.5; over/under 195.5
PickCenter Intel
The Golden State Warriors won Game 4 of the NBA Finals 103-82 by being in complete control. Heading into the game, the series was priced close to even, although the Warriors received late money and bet to a minus-130 favorite to win the Finals. With the Warriors' convincing victory, the adjusted series price featured another big move -- they're now minus-420/plus-350 to win this series courtesy of the Las Vegas Westgate Superbook.
<offer style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Warriors gambled -- and had profound success -- by going small in Game 4. The insertion of Andre Iguodala for Andrew Bogut in the starting lineup produced a 31-point first quarter as the Warriors recorded nine assists to zero turnovers. Bogut eventually played just three minutes, while backup center Festus Ezeli didn't leave the bench. The two centers had combined to play 105 minutes during the first three games of the series. Much is made of the Warriors' improving pace in Game 4, although the pace of the overall game was in line with the other three. Essentially, the major difference in Game 4 was shot-making. The Warriors simply started making shots they'd missed consistently over the first three games, shooting 47 percent from the floor and 40 percent behind the arc. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers couldn't make much of anything outside the paint. They shot 4-of-27 from 3-point land and 6-of-29 on uncontested shots.</offer>
I recommend a play on the Cavaliers plus the points in Game 5. We have the best player in the world, LeBron James, and his team coming off an embarrassing home loss. The Cavs of Game 5 will be the largest underdog that James has ever played on in the NBA Finals. With the will this team showed in the first three games, it won't go down without a fight. Obviously, the Cavaliers were running on tired legs in Game 4, so the extra day of rest should pay dividends. In addition, they'll get the opportunity to adjust back to the Warriors. I expect James to attack the rim relentlessly with little rim resistance on the court from Golden State, while their size advantage for easier baskets and offensive rebounding keeps this game close.
All four games have gone under the total in regulation. I recommended a play on the over in Game 4, but the Cavaliers' horrendous shooting kept the play from the money. The over seemed the right side throughout much of the game with the Warriors' small-ball adjustment, while playing with the lead and directing the game flow. I'll side with a lean to the over once again as the Warriors continue to try to kick-start their pace. Both teams will have advantages on offense to exploit if the minutes are handed out similarly to Game 4, as the offensive efficiency will increase. The Cavaliers will make the proper adjustments and improve their porous Game 4 shot-making ability.
ESPN Chalk pick: Cavaliers plus-8.5; lean over 195.5
PickCenter Intel
The Golden State Warriors won Game 4 of the NBA Finals 103-82 by being in complete control. Heading into the game, the series was priced close to even, although the Warriors received late money and bet to a minus-130 favorite to win the Finals. With the Warriors' convincing victory, the adjusted series price featured another big move -- they're now minus-420/plus-350 to win this series courtesy of the Las Vegas Westgate Superbook.
<offer style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Warriors gambled -- and had profound success -- by going small in Game 4. The insertion of Andre Iguodala for Andrew Bogut in the starting lineup produced a 31-point first quarter as the Warriors recorded nine assists to zero turnovers. Bogut eventually played just three minutes, while backup center Festus Ezeli didn't leave the bench. The two centers had combined to play 105 minutes during the first three games of the series. Much is made of the Warriors' improving pace in Game 4, although the pace of the overall game was in line with the other three. Essentially, the major difference in Game 4 was shot-making. The Warriors simply started making shots they'd missed consistently over the first three games, shooting 47 percent from the floor and 40 percent behind the arc. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers couldn't make much of anything outside the paint. They shot 4-of-27 from 3-point land and 6-of-29 on uncontested shots.</offer>
I recommend a play on the Cavaliers plus the points in Game 5. We have the best player in the world, LeBron James, and his team coming off an embarrassing home loss. The Cavs of Game 5 will be the largest underdog that James has ever played on in the NBA Finals. With the will this team showed in the first three games, it won't go down without a fight. Obviously, the Cavaliers were running on tired legs in Game 4, so the extra day of rest should pay dividends. In addition, they'll get the opportunity to adjust back to the Warriors. I expect James to attack the rim relentlessly with little rim resistance on the court from Golden State, while their size advantage for easier baskets and offensive rebounding keeps this game close.
All four games have gone under the total in regulation. I recommended a play on the over in Game 4, but the Cavaliers' horrendous shooting kept the play from the money. The over seemed the right side throughout much of the game with the Warriors' small-ball adjustment, while playing with the lead and directing the game flow. I'll side with a lean to the over once again as the Warriors continue to try to kick-start their pace. Both teams will have advantages on offense to exploit if the minutes are handed out similarly to Game 4, as the offensive efficiency will increase. The Cavaliers will make the proper adjustments and improve their porous Game 4 shot-making ability.
ESPN Chalk pick: Cavaliers plus-8.5; lean over 195.5
