The Cleveland Cavaliers played marvelously in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, sticking with the vaunted Golden State Warriors from start to finish. But crucial mistakes down the stretch of regulation and a no-show in overtime ruined a dominant showing from LeBron James.
The Warriors escaped with the win and now will look to put the pressure on by claiming Game 2 at home again. Golden State is a double-digit favorite again as the lackluster performance in the opener didn’t change the minds of the oddsmakers.
The Cavaliers played well for most of the night but must be able to bounce back after a debilitating loss. Cleveland could be staring at an 0-2 hole if the Warriors pick it up as expected next time out in NBA basketball gambling lines.
Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals is on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 8 p.m. ET at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The contest will be nationally televised on ABC.
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Odds Analysis
The Warriors didn’t play like the 13-point favorites they were in Game 1, as the contest was tight throughout. Even so, Golden State is a heavy favorite again, as the spread had opened at 12 points. More than 73 percent of the early action is on the Cavs as the betting public has deemed that margin too wide.
The opener went “over” on the scoring total but only because of overtime. Game 2’s total is listed at 216 points with the “under” the more common choice.
Golden State is the -900 favorite on the moneyline to win Game 2, while the Cavaliers are the +614 underdogs. Cleveland almost pulled off the upset last time out and would pay off nicely if it can do so in this one.
Last Time Out
James was a monster from start to finish, accumulating 51 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to put his team on the precipice of victory. George Hill had a chance to win the game for the Cavaliers with 4.7 seconds left in a tie game but missed the second of two free throws. J.R. Smith got the offensive rebound but inexplicably dribbled the ball toward midcourt as time expired.
The Warriors cruised in overtime to the 124-114 win. Stephen Curry led the way with 29 points while Draymond Green added 13 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and five steals. Kevin Durant didn’t shoot the ball very well but finished with 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists,
The Cavaliers welcomed the return of Kevin Love, who missed Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals with a concussion. He played well, finishing with 21 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
Injury Report
James was poked in the eye by Green and it was noticeably red, but he stayed in the game and should be fine. A bigger issue could be the knee of Klay Thompson, who collided with Smith early on and left the contest for a stretch.
Thompson returned and finished with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, and hopes to have no ill effects from the collision as the leg stiffens following the game.
Golden State is still without small forward Andre Iguodala, who missed a fifth consecutive game with a knee injury. It is unknown when he will return but the Warriors would like to have him at some point to round out their star-studded starting five.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Cavaliers proved that the Game 1 spread was too high, staying below it throughout the contest even though it got close at the end. Cleveland will aim to remain competitive again in Game 2 but this loss must have taken a lot of wind out of its sail.
The Warriors didn’t play great and still won Game 1. Look for a better effort next time out, especially on defense. James is great but off nights happen to the best of them. He will look mortal in this one and Golden State will cruise to the win in NBA basketball wagering.
NBA ATS Pick: Warriors 118, Cavaliers 102
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