The NBA Finals is tied 1-1! The series now transitions to Boston where the Celtics will host the next two games. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Warriors-Celtics prediction and pick for Game 3!

 

The Golden State Warriors did their job and took Game 2 from the Celtics. The Celtics stormed back from down 14 in the 4th quarter to win game 1. However, when the Warriors went up 20+ in the 3rd in Game 2, they didn't allow Boston to get back into the game. From the start of the third quarter, Game 2 was in favor of the six-time champs. The Celtics desperately need to figure out how to score in the 3rd quarter as they have a combined 38 points in two games. With the series back in Boston for the first time since 2010, TD Garden should be electric as both teams look to gain the advantage.

Here are the Warriors-Celtics 2022 NBA Finals odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

2022 NBA Finals Odds: Warriors-Celtics Odds

Golden State Warriors: +3.5 (-114)

Boston Celtics: -3.5 (-106)

Over: 213.5 (-110)

Under: 213.5 (-110)

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Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread

The Warriors won by 19 Sunday night which should make Warriors bettors very comfortable right now. The Dubs are the underdog once again in this series as they play in Boston for the Finals for the first time in the Curry era.

Curry didn't have the greatest start to Game 2 but found a way to get his team on track in the second half. He ended with 29 points and Jordan Poole contributed with 17 off the bench. The Warriors found a way to win, but Klay Thompson was not a part of it. He shot 4-19 and just 1-9 from three. He is due for a big game this series and it will likely come, but the Warriors need it now because Curry and Poole won't be able to get it done alone.

This brings up Draymond Green. Mr. do-it-all was a huge part of the success on Sunday night even though the stats won't show it. His defense was elite and he ended with a game-high seven assists. If Green continues to run the show and sees success, then the Warriors will be in a great spot to at least split the two games on the road here.

Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread

The Celtics played very well in the six other quarters in this series so far, but struggle in the 3rd quarter in both games. The Celtics are a streaky team but they have not lost two games in a row in this playoffs. That is a great sign as we have seen this team bounce back every single time and play well after a loss. If you are looking to bet on the Celtics here, then that should make you feel pretty confident.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylon Brown need to both play well if they want to cover this spread. The Celtics escaped Game 1 with Al Horford and Derrick White playing very well. They likely won't see the same production from both of them at the same time again, so the Jays must ball out. Tatum finished with 28 off 8-19 shooting in Game 2. Brown ended with only 17 as he wasn't much of a factor at all, especially in the second half.

The good news for this team is Robert Williams says he is okay to play in this game. They desperately need his presence in the paint to not allow the Warriors to get easy layups and to rebound. The Celtics allow too many offensive rebounds. However, don't be shocked if Ime Udoka changes things up and goes smaller to not allow Curry, Poole, and Thompson to get hot.

Final Warriors-Celtics Prediction & Pick

It's been 12 years since the Celtics last played a Finals game in Boston. I think the energy will be intense, however, I don't see the Celtics taking advantage of it early on. I think the Warriors get out to an early lead and find a way to cover this spread. At +3.5, this is a favorable bet coming off a 19-point win.

Final Warriors-Celtics Prediction & Pick: Warriors +3.5 (-114)