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The Boston Celtics will meet the Golden State Warriors for Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Francisco, California on Thursday. It's time to continue our NBA odds coverage with a Celtics-Warriors Game 1 prediction and pick.
The Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors are the last two teams remaining. Neither team was predicted to play in the NBA Finals at the start of the season, yet here they are.
The Celtics swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round. Then, Boston won a brutal seven-game series with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics capped it off with a seven-game series victory over the Miami Heat, finishing Game 7 on the road. Now, they prepare for a Warriors team firing on all cylinders and will be tough to stop.
The Warriors took down the Denver Nuggets in five games in the first round. Next, they overcame the Memphis Grizzlies in six games. The Warriors next defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games. The Celtics will be the best defense they have faced in the playoffs, the ultimate test for their high-powered offense.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Celtics-Warriors NBA Finals odds:
NBA Finals Odds: Celtics-Warriors Odds
Celtics: +4 (-112)
Warriors: -4 (-108)
Over: 212.5 (-110)
Under: 212.5 (-110)
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Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Celtics have beaten the Warriors on the road this season. It was a blowout win, where they pounded the Warriors 110-88 on March 16. Stephen Curry had his worst game, scoring three points while shooting 1 for 4. He is unlikely to repeat that horrible performance, but the Celtics will do their best to replicate it. The Celtics held the Warriors to 37.2 percent from the field and 22.8 percent from beyond the arc. It was their suffocating defense that prevented the Warriors from getting into a groove.
It was also the game where Marcus Smart battled Curry for a loose ball and caused an injury that forced Curry from the game. Curry has not forgotten that, and the Celtics must be ready for that. The injury cost him a month of playing time.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the two anchors that make the Celtics' offense hum. Tatum has averaged 27.0 points per game in the playoffs, with an average of 6.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Meanwhile, Brown has 22.9 points per game and 6.8 rebounds. Smart has been a fantastic contributor throughout the year and through the playoffs. He has averaged 15.5 points per game, with a mark of 4.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists.
The Celtics excel in rebounding and defense, and there are no larger weapons than Robert Williams and Al Horford. Both men command a prescience on the floor, and the Boston defense needs them both. The Celtics have the best road record in the playoffs at 7-2. Their ability to withstand pressure on both ends has enabled them to excel in tough environments.
The Celtics will cover the spread if they can force the Warriors into uncomfortable shooting situations. Likewise, they cover if they can play a clean game and win the battle on the boards. Boston must suffocate the Golden State defense and not allow them any room to move.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
The Warriors have had an entire week to prepare for this showdown. They are well-rested and ready for battle. Additionally, the Warriors would like to pay the Celtics back for contributing to their star's injury a few months ago.
Curry has been a force in these playoffs, averaging 25.9 points per game while also generating a mark of 4.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Klay Thompson is playing like his old self with 19 points per game with 4.3 rebounds. Likewise, Jordan Poole has been stellar at 18.4 points per game and 4.5 assists. The biggest surprise in these playoffs has been the solid play of Andrew Wiggins. He is averaging 15.8 points per game and 7.0 rebounds.
The Warriors come into this series with many players with NBA Finals experience. Their players have a combined 123 games of experience playing for the Larry O'Brien trophy. The Warriors look to add to their collection and bring home another trophy.
The Warriors will cover the spread if they can gain separation from the suffocating Celtics' defense. Also, they must get production from all angles. It will open up Curry for shots so he can nail them in clutch time.
Final Celtics-Warriors Game 1 Prediction & Pick
It is going to be an ultimate battle of offense versus defense. Smart will be the significant factor for the Celtics. Can he stop Curry? Also, what will happen when he gets physical with Curry? The Warriors will take it to the Celtics. They have the championship pedigree and the fire burning in them to win another title. Expect the Warriors to take Game 1.
Final Celtics-Warriors Game 1 Prediction & Pick: Warriors -4 (-108)
Final Celtics-Warriors Series Prediction & Pick: Warriors in 6 (-160)
