The good times continued to roll for the Oklahoma City Thunder who slayed another dragon in the series opener to snag their third straight win in enemy territory this postseason. This time it came against the defending champs, and because of it, the Warriors now find themselves on the precipice of falling into an 0-2 hole and dropping back-to-back home games for the first time this season.
NBA Playoff Odds at BookMaker.eu
Oklahoma City Thunder +8
Golden State Warriors -8
Over/Under 222
ODDS ANALYSIS
After Golden State partook in three straight barnburners to close out the series with the Trail Blazers, the betting public figured more fireworks were in store in Game 1 of the defending champs conference finals matchup with the Thunder.
Through 24 minutes of play, anxiety had already settled in with the teams combining for just 107 total points. Game 1’s betting total closed at a hefty 225 points. While a scoring barrage took place in the third quarter with 66 combined points put on the board leaving a glimmer of hope for over bettors, Golden State put an end to that dream real quick in the fourth after scoring just 14 total points.
I honestly don’t think the Dubs were held to less than 15 points in a single quarter all season long, so a tip of the cap goes in the immediate direction of head coach Billy Donovan and his staff for getting their troops to buckle down defensively.
Game 2’s total has already been depressed three points with the Warriors a half-point higher chalk than where they went off the board in the series opener.
KEY MATCHUPS
I had a ‘what what what’ moment when breaking down the box score moments after Game 1 concluded. OKC only turned the ball over 11 times. I repeat. OKC only turned the ball over 11 times. It had to be a misprint. It just had to be! I couldn’t believe it, but there it was in black ink. 11 turnovers.
In my breakdown of the Western Conference finals, I stated that there likely isn’t a team remaining in the second season that could beat Oklahoma City in a seven game series if it started valuing possession of the basketball. I stick to that statement, and the proof is now in the pudding.
In Game 4 versus the Spurs, OKC played even in the turnover battle at 12 apiece. They won that game by 14 points and also won the battle of the boards by six. In closeout Game 6, Russell Westbrook had six of the team’s 10 turnovers but still played even with SA. They won that game by 14 points and outboarded the Spurs by 10.
In Game 1 versus the Warriors, OKC won both the turnover and rebounding battles and won the game by six dropping 61 on Golden State’s defense and sticking close in both the fast break and points in the paint categories.
Turnovers will be the Thunder’s main key to success throughout this series. If they keep them under control, they can hang as evidenced Monday night. If not, the game and series could get away from them real quick.
LIVE BETTING SCENARIO
Game 2 has the ultimate zig-zag playoff effect written all over it with the betting public likely blindly siding with the Warriors due to the belief that there’s no way they drop two in a row at home. While I don’t expect OKC to return home with a commanding 2-0 lead, I can still see them competing in this one all the way through.
The team is playing with purpose and confidence right now, and that’s something that has to scare the heck out of the Warriors whom they disposed of with relative ease in the second half of Game 1
Big men Steven Adams, Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter frustrated the Warriors all game long. KD and Westbrook are no doubt going to get theirs, especially the latter who got out to a rough early start. So long as the zebras don’t force Donovan to go to his bench early due to cheapies, I’d look to back the Thunder early.
This is however the NBA, and it’s playoff time, so there’s always the possibility of those scripts falling into the hands of the refs pregame. If it looks like Golden State is getting a bulk of the calls early and you can get them at a reduced price on the readjusted live betting lines, I’d live bet Steph Curry and company till the cows come home. If not, this will be another war!
NBA Odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! Bet on Game 2 of the Western Conference finals today as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors square off Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at 9 p.m. ET from Oracle Arena. The contest will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
