*Record 7-5*
After last night’s massacre in Cleveland, we are back to watching the actually competitive Western Conference Finals. After a shocking Game 1 turnout, the Warriors seek revenge in what should be another eventful and entertaining matchup with the Thunder. Remaining focused on the end goal of a championship, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook refuse to succumb to complacency and remind us that their work has just begun. As for the Warriors, the favorite the win the NBA Finals throughout the year may have just become the underdog, but don’t think that is going to bother the unanimous MVP and his talented supporting cast. Brace yourself, NBA playoff predictions coming your way.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Golden State Warriors
During the regular season, the Thunder held a lead going into the fourth quarter in every game against the Warriors. These leads were eventually blown as they would go on to lose all three regular season contests. However, the roles were reversed in Game 1. It was the Warriors who held a lead for the majority of the game, but wound up being overcome by the Thunder. Their lead started to dissipate as they became careless with the ball and provided extra opportunities to Durant and Westbrook, who had below average shooting nights as they were a combined 17-51 from the field. The Warriors also lost the battle in the trenches, as the trio of Kanter, Adams, and Ibaka proved too powerful for Bogut and Ezeli, who combined to score 3 points in 24 minutes. An overall uncharacteristic performance from the Warriors, who at one point seemed to be poised to run away with the game. Something that was a vital part of their success during the year, three pointers, hindered them as they shot 11-30 from beyond the arc. They were taking some questionable shots by other team’s standards, but those are shots that usually go down and provide them with much needed offensive production, especially when trailing late in the game. I’m chalking up Game 1 as a anomaly for the Warriors and saying they come out determined and ready to play tonight. Listed as the 8.5 point favorite, I’m picking the Warriors tonight. Some odds to throw at you: the Thunder are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after winning as an underdog and the Warriors are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games at home. Put on your rain coat if you’ll be in the Bay Area tonight because there is a high chance it will be raining threes.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors (-8.5, -110)
