Who would have seen this coming? The Toronto Raptors are up 3-1, and have a chance to close out the Golden State Warriors at home in Game 5 of the 2019 Finals on Monday night.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors did major work in Games 3 and 4, winning two huge away matchups. The road performance has Toronto up 3-1 in the series, and in great position to win their first ever NBA Championship. Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard has taken these playoffs by storm. In his first year with the Raptors, Leonard has carried this team on his back, forcing many to take him into consideration as one of the NBA’s best players. Leonard is coming off of a stunning Game 4 performance in which he scored 36 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and recorded zero turnovers. His productivity and efficiency is on legendary levels, but he can’t do it all alone. The Raptors will need at least one other scoring option to go to in Game 5. Serge Ibaka was the second option in Game 4, much like Kyle Lowry was the second option in Game 3. If Leonard can get at least one other Raptor scoring 20+ points, then this series could be over in Toronto on Monday night.
The Raptors are coming off of back-to-back wins in Oracle Arena, moving their playoff record to 15-7. Monday night’s Game 5 will be the 13th home game of the playoffs for the Raptors, who are 9-3 in Toronto this postseason. The Raptors are 4-1 in their last five home games.
Toronto Raptors Expected Starting Lineup
Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol
Toronto Raptors NBA Form
[table id=18 filter=”TOR” /]
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors were feeling good when they left Toronto after Game 2, but two straight losses at home have Golden State in a 1-3 hole heading into Game 5. Golden State forward Kevin Durant was able to practice on Sunday, giving the Warriors hope that he will be able to start on Monday. Durant has missed the Warriors last nine games due to a calf strain suffered in Game 6 of Golden State’s Western Conference semifinal matchup against the Rockets. After starting out 5-0 without Durant, the Warriors have struggled against the Raptors in the Finals. The Warriors scored just 92 points in Game 4 at Oracle Arena, representing their second lowest home point total all season, and the lowest of their playoff run. If Durant is unable to return, the Warriors will have to rely on the Splash Brothers for a big performance. Klay Thompson and Steph Curry put up 55 points combined in a Game 4 loss, but these two are capable of anything. Don’t be surprised if these two end up taking over Game 5 with an incredible display of shooting.
Golden State has lost the last two games of this Finals matchup against the Raptors, putting their postseason record at 13-7. The Warriors play in Toronto on Monday night, where they look to improve on their road record in the playoffs. Through 10 away games in the postseason, the Warriors have a 7-3 record, going 4-1 in their last five away from home.
Golden State Warriors Expected Starting Lineup
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant*, Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins
Golden State Warriors NBA Form
[table id=18 filter=”GSW” /]
The Money Line
Here are how the odds to win the match look from the bookies ahead of the game.
Golden State Warriors to win @ 1.72 (18/25) with Unibet.
Toronto Raptors to win @ 2.21 (121/100) with William Hill.
Odds taken at 12:00 GMT 12/06/2019
Key Points
- The Toronto Raptors have led at half in three of the four games in the Finals
- Kawhi Leonard is averaging 30.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in the Finals
- Warriors forward Kevin Durant (questionable for Game 5) has averaged 34.2 points in 11 playoff games this postseason
Our Verdict and Best Bets
Game 5 in Toronto has the potential to be the game of the season. This Raptors team is playing with great poise and composure as they look to close out the Finals at home, but the task won’t be easy. Golden State has their backs against the wall, which is likely to bring out the best of these players. Klay Thompson and Steph Curry are our players to watch in this one, as sportsbooks are offering some interesting prop bets on these two. Bettors should consider placing wagers on the OVER on the point production for both of these guards, as sportsbooks have Curry’s point line at 32.5, and Thompson’s scoring line at 20.5. Both of these players will have the green light all night, especially with Kevin Durant coming into the matchup as questionable. The outcome of this game is anyone’s guess, but these prop bets will be solid action on Monday night.
