The Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors will begin their fight for the NBA Championship on Thursday, as Game 1 in Toronto kicks things off. Toronto is fresh off of an impressive victory over a dangerous Bucks side, while the Warriors have been able to kick back for a few extra days after they swept the Blazers.
Toronto Raptors
After a brutal run through the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors have gotten the results needed en route to the NBA Finals. This Raptors team has taken out some big teams in the East. High level teams who have fallen to the Raptors in the postseason include Embiid, Butler, and the 76ers in the second round, as well as Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Eastern Conference Finals. Kawhi Leonard has done it all for his team during this run. The forward is putting together one of the most MJ-like playoff runs in recent history. Leonard is averaging 31.2 points per game 8.8 rebounds per game, and 1.6 steals per game, reflecting his domination on both sides of the court. Kawhi has came up in clutch situations a number of times in the playoffs already, and his performances in big games have been breathtaking. Expect Leonard to take 25-30 shots in Game 1 on Thursday as Toronto look to take a lead at home in the Finals.
The Raptors have found their form late in these playoffs. After losing the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, Toronto went on an absolute tear, winning the next four games to close out the series. The Raptors have not had the easiest road to the Finals, as they’ve accumulated a record of 12-6 in 18 postseason games. At home in the playoffs, Toronto has a respectable record of 7-2.
Toronto Raptors Expected Starting Lineup
Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol
Toronto Raptors NBA Form
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Golden State Warriors
Despite being the number one seed in the Western Conference taking on the second seed from the East, the Warriors will be the away team in the Finals due to the Raptors superior record. This could prove to be costly for the Warriors, who has lost two of their last five away games in the postseason. One player who will not be healthy in time to help the Warriors on the road is superstar forward Kevin Durant. Durant, who was averaging a playoff-high 34.2 points per game before his injury, was ruled out by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on Tuesday. So far, the Warriors have fared well without KD on the floor, going 5-0 without the small forward. Golden State will have to rely on a heavy dose of the Splash Brothers again in Game 1 against the Raptors. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are putting up a combined 46.4 points per game in the playoffs so far, but this number could very well increase with Durant’s absence being extended.
Golden State has looked like a championship side in their games leading up to the Finals. Golden State has a record of 12-4 in the playoffs so far, but have put up a perfect 5-0 record in their last five games played. The Warriors have been solid away from home in the playoffs as well, going 6-2 in eight road games.
Golden State Warriors Expected Starting Lineup
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Alfonzo McKinnie, Draymond Green
Golden State Warriors NBA Form
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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 @ 2.11 (111/100) with Betfair.
Toronto Raptors to win @ 1.87 (20/23) with William Hill.
Odds taken at 09:00 GMT 30/05/2019
Key Points
- Including this 2019 Finals appearance, the Golden State Warriors have reached the Finals in five consecutive seasons
- Warriors guard Steph Curry is averaging 27.3 points per game in the postseason
- The Toronto Raptors are 1-2 in Game 1’s this postseason
Our Verdict and Best Bets
Golden State enters Game 1 as the one point favorite in this mouthwatering matchup between the teams who were able to fight through their respective conferences. Kawhi Leonard has carried his team to this point, but this series against the high level defense of Draymond Green and Klay Thompson will pose his toughest challenge yet. Look for the Raptors to struggle in the first game against Golden State. This Warriors team is battle-tested, and will be ready to jump out to an early lead in this series. Bettors should be leaning towards taking the Warriors on the moneyline in what promises to be an exciting Game 1 in the NBA Finals.
