The Golden State Warriors will attempt to even up the series as they meet the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday. It's time to continue our NBA odds coverage with a Celtics-Warriors prediction and pick.
The Celtics defeated the Warriors 116-100 on Wednesday to take a 2-1 series lead. Boston did this thanks to solid defense and clutch rebounding. The Celtics won the battle of the boards 47 to 31. Additionally, they had three players hit 20 points or more. Jaylen Brown produced 27 points, Jayson Tatum scored 26, and Marcus Smart scored 24 points.
Stephen Curry exited the game with a foot injury but has declared he will play in Game 4. It played a significant part in the rest of the game, as the Warriors managed only 11 four-quarter points after scoring 33 in the third. Klay Thompson added 25 points, and Andrew Wiggins scored 18. However, Draymond Green struggled, notching only two points.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Warriors-Celtics odds:
NBA odds: Warriors-Celtics Odds
Warriors: +4 (-112)
Celtics: -4 (-108)
Over: 214 (-110)
Under: 214 (-110)
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Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
The Warriors will get Curry back, and it could help them tremendously. Curry scored 31 points in Game 3, going 6 of 11 from beyond the arc. Additionally, Curry has hit 48.6 percent of his shots from the 3-point range. He is still the spark that makes the Warriors go, and they need him to come up big. Also, the Warriors need Green to do significantly better.
Green went 1 for 4 from the field and missed both his shots from the triples. Likewise, he only grabbed four rebounds and produced three assists. Green also fouled out. The Warriors need a better performance from him and for Green to stay out of foul trouble. They also would like a better contribution from the bench.
Jordan Poole managed 10 points on 4 for 8 shooting. He has been inconsistent in this series, hovering near 20 points and below 10. The rest of the bench combined for eight points.
The Warriors are 3-7 all-time when trailing a series 2-1 over the last 10 playoff matchups. Alternatively, they have also won three of the past four playoff series they trailed 2-1. They have been in the situation 20 times and are 7-13.
The Warriors will cover the spread if Curry, Thompson, and Green produce. The original three for the Warriors remain the key to winning another championship, and it is no surprise that they excel when all three excel.
Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Celtics are halfway toward their first title since 2008. When those Celtics played Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers, they also led 2-1. The Celtics have not had the best mark at home throughout these playoffs, as they have mustered a 6-4 record. Now, they have to prove that they are capable of winning two straight home games, which they have not done since the first-round series.
Robert Williams III is a significant reason the Celtics continue to roll on. He produced eight points, 10 rebounds, and four blocked shots in Game 3. Williams' prescience on the floor has helped amplify the pressure on the Warriors, and his ability on the boards gives Boston an edge. Williams played a significant role in holding Golden State to 11 fourth-quarter points.
The Celtics are 9-1 over the last 10 playoff series when holding a 2-1 series lead. Their ability to win a series when they have led is impeccable. They hope to take a commanding lead and put the pressure back on the Warriors. Brown, Tatum, and Smart have played excellently throughout these finals and now will need to take an extra step to ensure that Boston remains on top.
The Celtics will cover the spread if they shut down the Warriors on the boards and prevent Curry from going off. Likewise, Brown, Tatum, and Smart must continue to put up buckets and keep the pace for the Celtics. Boston must avoid the bad third quarter, snuff out the Warriors early, and put them on their heels.
Final Warriors-Celtics Game 4 Prediction & Pick
The Warriors are desperate. Likewise, they realize that if they lose this game, the chances of coming back are almost nil. It is a situation no team wants to face. However, these Warriors have been through tough times before. They have the championship pedigree to keep the focus in almost any situation. Knowing Curry will play should help spark the Warriors. It will encourage them to fight for their lives, with their best player fighting through the pain. Expect the Warriors to put up a fight and possibly win. Regardless, they will cover the odds.
Final Warriors-Celtics Game 4 Prediction & Pick: Warriors: +4 (-112)
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