The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers will match up in the NBA Finals for the fourth straight year. That was the outcome many expected heading into the 2017-18 season, but few would have predicted just how difficult a time the teams would have.
The defending conference champs both limped through the regular season and gutted out tough wins in the postseason. Golden State advanced to the championship round with a 101-92 win in Game 7 over Houston Monday, and Cleveland did the same with an 87-79 win over Boston Sunday. Both teams came from behind to win on the road.
The betting odds for the Finals have been revealed, and as many expected, the team repping the West is a heavy favorite. The Warriors are favored to win Game 1 by a whopping 12 points. If you bet on the Cavs to win the series and they pull through, you're due for a massive payday.
It seems everyone is picking Golden State, but still—these odds are astronomical. Expect them to skew a bit more toward Cleveland as Game 1 nears. Golden State received the lion's share of early wagers.
These are by far the lowest odds Cleveland has received in the four championship matchups against Golden State.
The Warriors hold home court, but it's not yet clear whether veteran wing Andre Iguodala, who's been key to Golden State's defense on LeBron James, will be ready early in the series.
Game 1 is slated for Thursday at 9 p.m. EST. Catch it on ABC.
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