Game 5 of the NBA Finals is set to be a thriller. The series heads back to the Bay Area and will see the Golden State Warriors host the Boston Celtics and look to reclaim their series lead. Things are tied up at 2-2 going into the game, so who has the edge?
NBA Finals momentum swings in favor of the Warriors?
The Warriors were able to pull out a huge win in game 4. Despite being on the road, Steph Curry put on a masterclass to lift his team to a 107-97 win. He scored 43 points, going 7-14 from range, and shooting 53% from the floor. There’s no questioning he’s going to need some extra help, but with the support of the home fans, the Warriors come into this matchup as 3.5 point favorites.
According to CBS Sports, Teams that win a Game 5 when the series is tied 2-2 go on to win the whole series 80% of the time! If you’re a believer in that trend continuing and the Warriors winning on home court, then now may be a good time to bet on the Warriors to win the Larry O’Brien trophy and end their NBA Finals in glory.
They’re -130 to win it all now, but imagine if they win game 5. Those odds are probably going to shoot to around -180. This is a good time to bet behind Golden State and there are plenty of exciting offers new bettors can take advantage of. Already have an account with one sportsbook? Why not claim the sign-up offer from another as well to maximize the value?!
All eyes on Tatum
Jayson Tatum has become the heart and soul of the Celtics, but his NBA Finals joruney has been a bumpy one. Despite averaging 26 points per game, 6 boards, and 6 assists, he struggled on Friday, going 8-23 in the loss. He did rack up 11 rebounds, but the Celtics are going to need the face of their franchise, not someone who is closely following Jaylen Brown’s stat line (22 PPG, 7 boards, 4 assists).
Will he be able to do it in the Bay? He’s had both a 12 and a 28 point outing during this series when playing on the road. The first saw him go a dismal 3-17 from the field. If you’re a betting man, perhaps betting that the lights could be too bright for a man who consistently places the weight of the world on his shoudlers by tying himself to Kobe Bryant is the smart play.
The safe prop?
While Draymond Green remains a volatile player to try and bet, Andrew Wiggins has slowly asserted himself as the more reliable physical presence on the team. He had a whopping 16 rebounds in game 4 and the Celtics have been unable to solve him this series.
Andrew Wiggins keeps asserting himself as the muscle the Warriors need without the drama that comes with Draymond Green. Wiggins had 17 points and 16 rebounds in Golden State’s Game 4 victory and remains a problem down low for the Celtics. He had 18 points in game 3 and has played a huge part in producing while Jordan Poole tries to get rolling.
I really like the odds of a Wiggins double-double and a Golden State win. Perfect same-game parlay to maximize the value he brings to this offense under the home town lights.
NBA Finals Game 5 Betting prediction
Simply put, I think the Warriors win this in impressive fashion. The win in game 4 was a big momentum changer and Boston are now headed into very uncertain waters where their backs are to the wall after letting home-advantage pass them bby.
Betting the Warriors is the play here, I feel.
AP Photo/Jeff Chiu