The latest NBA betting information all revolves around the NBA Finals. For three years in a row sports wagering fans have been treated to the same NBA Finals: a matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. Last year, the Cavaliers soiled Golden State’s attempt at a repeat. And now with Cleveland facing an opportunity at back-to-back titles, the Warriors have the opportunity to do to the Cavaliers what Cleveland did to them just over a year ago.
Unfortunately for the Cavs, the NBA sports odds are backing Golden State 100%. However, that doesn’t mean that a Warriors title is a guarantee. Most sports wagering fans are in fact expecting a Warrior blowout, but there’s more than one reason why the Cavaliers could win back-to-back titles.
Game 1 – Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors – Thurs., June 1st
When: 9:00 pm ET
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland
Series: First of Best of Seven
TV: ABC
Stream: ABC Live
NBA Sports Odds:
Cleveland Cavaliers +7 (-110) 225 ½ (-110) +260
Golden State Warriors -7 (-110) 225 ½ (-110) -320
A quick glance at the sports wagering odds reveal just how big of a backing the Warriors have in this contest. It’s understandable to see Golden State be this big of a favorite. After all, a lineup consisting of Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green is damn near invincible and the Warriors’ undefeated record thus far proves that. However, bettors shouldn’t be so quick to rule out Cleveland. Here are 4 clever sports wagering reasons why Cleveland could repeat.
No. 4 Kyrie Irving’s Emergence
Earlier in the season, around January, the Cavaliers hit some troubles. As LeBron James explained to the media, the Cavs are extremely ‘top-heavy’. What that means is that Cleveland has tremendous talent at their starting positions, but don’t exactly have players on the bench that they can count on. Fortunately for Cleveland, being top-heavy shouldn’t slow them down too much against the Warriors, especially with Kyrie Irving’s recent emergence.
Irving averaged 25.8 points over a 5-game series against Boston. In Game 4, early in the third quarter, Cleveland got an outstanding effort from Irving that proved this team is capable of relying on someone other than LeBron.
No. 3 Kevin Love Won’t Show No Love
Despite his last name, Love won’t be too king to the Warriors this series. Love hasn’t been as consistent as Cleveland would’ve liked this postseason, but when he gets hot he’s close to unstoppable. Kevin Love can best be classified as an x-factor that will play a pivotal factor in Cleveland’s chances against the Warriors.
No. 2 Ball Security
Cleveland had some ball security problems in Game 3 & 4 of their series against Boston. But other than that, the Cavs have shown tremendous ball security throughout the rest of the sports wagering playoffs. The best way to beat Golden State is by keeping the ball out of their playmakers. Chewing up the clock and maintaining solid ball security are the best way to accomplish that.
No. 1 LeBron James
Is LeBron James the best player in the league? In years past, the answer to that question would be a resounding yes. But James’ age has certainly slowed down his regular season play. Fortunately for Cleveland fans, the opposite is true in the postseason. Come playoff time, James plays on an entirely different level. We saw that in last year’s Finals and we’ll see it again this Thursday.
