Golden State Warriors
The Warriors return to Oracle with a road win, taking home advantage back in the Finals. It’s not all good news heading into Game 3 though, as Golden State took a blow on the injury front. Warriors center Kevon Looney is set to miss the rest of the Finals due to a fractured collarbone, taking out one of the Warriors big bodies down low. Look for the experienced Andrew Bogut to fill in, taking 10-20 minutes of action off of the bench. Bogut will have to be ready on the defensive end, as the Raptors will likely work the ball to Siakam and Gasol in order to test the 34-year-old. Klay Thompson is also questionable for Game 3 after an MRI confirmed that he had strained his hamstring. While Thompson will likely play in the home game on Wednesday, it is possible that the injured hammy could have a negative effect on his shot. Bettors should be waiting on sportsbooks to release the prop bet on Thompson’s OVER/UNDER points scored in Game 3. If the number given is 25+ points, consider taking the UNDER, as that nagging injury could lead to a more passive performance by the Warriors guard.
Game 1 didn’t go Golden State’s way, but they were able to turn things around in Game 2. Game 3 will be at home on Wednesday, and the Warriors will be looking to improve on their 2-1 record in Game 3’s in this postseason. Golden State will be playing at home for the ninth time of the playoffs on Wednesday. The Warriors are 6-2 at home in the postseason so far, and they’ve put up a perfect 5-0 record in their last five games at Oracle.
Golden State Warriors Expected Starting Lineup
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson*, Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins
*Doubtful
Golden State Warriors NBA Form
[table id=18 filter=”GSW” /]
Toronto Raptors
It was a tale of supporting casts in Games 1 and 2 for the Raptors. In a Game 1 victory, Gasol, Lowry, and Siakam combined for an impactful 59 points. In Game 2, the same trio put up just 31 points, leaving Kawhi Leonard (34 points in Game 2) out to dry. It was a poor shooting night for the Raptors, who hit just 37.2% of their field goal attempts, and just 28.9% from three. If the Raptors expect to get a big win on the road in Game 3, there will have to be big performances from the shooters in this team. Guards Danny Green and Fred Van Vleet can have a huge impact on the outcome of this game. If the duo is knocking down shots, that Golden State defense will be forced to stretch more, opening up one-on-one opportunities for the versatile frontcourt of the Raptors.
After winning Game 1, the Raptors dropped Game 2 and were unable to take both games at home. Game 3’s have been fairly good occasions for the Raptors, as they’ve been 2-1 in three Game 3’s this postseason. As for their road record, Toronto has struggled, going 4-4 in eight away games in the playoffs. In their last five road games, the Raptors have went 3-2.
Toronto Raptors Expected Starting Lineup
Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol
Toronto Raptors NBA Form
[table id=18 filter=”TOR” /]
The Money Line
Here are how the odds to win the match look from the bookies ahead of the game.
Toronto Raptors to win @ 3.15 (43/20) with Unibet.
Golden State Warriors to win @ 1.44 (4/9) with Betfair.
Odds taken at 10:00 GMT 04/06/2019
Key Points
- Golden State has trailed at halftime in each of their last five matches
- Warriors guard Klay Thompson (questionable w/ hamstring injury) is averaging 23.0 points per game through two games in the 2019 Finals
- Raptors guard Kyle Lowry is averaging just 10.0 points per game through two games in the 2019 Finals
Our Verdict and Best Bets
The Warriors are back at home in the Finals, and taking on a very competitive Toronto Raptors team. Most sportsbooks have the Warriors as a -6 favorite in Game 3, making this one a very difficult one to call. Bettors should be waiting to place their money on this one until they have a chance to get an update on the status of Klay Thompson. If Thompson is healthy, this one is going Golden State’s way; But if Thompson has problems with his hamstring, watch out. This Warriors team is heavily dependant on both the scoring and high level defense that Thompson brings on an insanely consistent basis. Consider live betting this one after watching how Klay Thompson is moving for a few minutes at least.
