The Golden State Warriors probably feel it’s their rightful place and they’re back playing for the O’Brien Trophy for the sixth time in eight seasons. It’s a different story for the Boston Celtics, one of the most successful franchises in NBA history. During the time the Warriors were racking up five straight Finals trips winning three trophies, the Cs were subdued three times in the Eastern Conference final. They finally broke through this season and for the first time since losing in seven games to the Lakers in 2010 will play for the title. No one on the Celtics has played in a Finals and that lack of experience has them as a series underdog at +137.
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Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors Series Schedule
Game 1: Celtics at Warriors, Thursday, June 2, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 2: Celtics at Warriors, Sunday, June 5, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 3: Warriors at Celtics, Wednesday, June 8, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 4: Warriors at Celtics, Friday, June 10, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 5: Celtics at Warriors, Monday, June 13, 9 p.m. ET (If Necessary)
Game 6: Warriors at Celtics, Thursday, June 16, 9 p.m. ET (If Necessary)
Game 7: Celtics at Warriors, Sunday, June 19, 8 p.m. ET (If Necessary)
Series Price at BookMaker.eu: Warriors -153 / Celtics +137
The Celtics feel like a team of destiny and if you believe in that kind of stuff they are worth throwing a few bucks on. In late January following a home loss to Portland, the Celtics were 23-24. They went on a massive run after that winning 28 of their next 35 games while possessing the NBA’s best offense and defense over that stretch. With a number of players on the roster from a successful run that included eight straight playoff appearances and three trips to the East final, the Celtics were expected to be in the mix again, and they ended up winning 51 games and claiming the No. 2 seed in the East.
The hot run continued into the playoffs with a first-round sweep of the Nets, who many pegged as title favorites. And just because no one on the roster has played in a Finals doesn’t mean the team lacks experience. If anything they became immune to pressure in the last two rounds. Falling behind the defending champion Bucks three games to two in the conference semifinals and facing elimination on the road, the Celtics got 46 points from Jayson Tatum and a strong defensive performance to extend the series. Boston cashed out with an even bigger Game 7 victory.
Winning on the road in the NBA isn’t easy, and it’s even tougher in the postseason. But the Celtics have been good at securing Ws. They won in Miami three times, including a thrilling Game 7 win. Overall they are 7-2 SU and 7-1-1 ATS on the road this postseason. The Celtics won in the Bay Area, 110-88, during the regular season behind a stellar defensive effort. They held the Warriors to 37 percent shooting and 23 percent from three-point range.
Defense has been the cornerstone of Boston’s success. Their 106.2 rating during the season led the NBA and they’ve been better in the playoffs with a 105.1 rating. They held opponents to fewer than 100 points in five of their last nine games, but they will be tested by the Warriors.
As if Stephen Curry needed a reason, he’s got one. When the clubs met in March Curry was injured during a scramble for a loose ball. Steve Kerr wasn’t happy with the play by Marcus Smart that forced Curry to miss the remainder of the regular season. In hindsight it was probably the best thing that could’ve happened. Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green played sparingly together during the season, but it’s not like they need the work. They were all major contributors to the team’s success during the Finals streak and they’re playing at a high level this postseason.
Curry averages 25.9 points while Thompson drops nearly 20 per game to pace the offense. Green anchors a defense that finished second to Boston in rating during the season and frustrated Luka Doncic in the Western Conference final. The Warriors haven’t been tested this postseason ending two series in five games while the other went six. Being perfect at home has been a big reason. The Warriors are 9-0 SU and 7-2 ATS in their first postseason inside Chase Center.
Celtics vs. Warriors Free Picks
When the Warriors were waltzing all over everyone during their run to five straight NBA Finals appearances, there was one team that consistently gave them a hard time. They didn’t enjoy the level of success Golden State did during that time, but the Celtics were a darn good team. And they still are. You can toss the nonsense about lack of experience after Boston won two straight Game 7s against great teams. What’s taking out another?
Celtics vs. Warriors Series Pick: Celtics in 6 Games
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