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.
NBA Finals
Game 1
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Cleveland Cavaliers 216.5
Golden St Warriors -12
Series Price:
Cavaliers +650
Warriors -1000
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.
The Warriors are attracting early money and the line has moved to -1200/+755 at Bookmaker.
Hoo boy. https://t.co/vhGXHI1SKv
These are by far the lowest odds Cleveland has received in the four championship matchups against Golden State.
#NBAFinals If #LebronJames wins this series, pundits should forget all his losses in the finals. Books giving him no shot compared to past matchups. #NBA Series Odds (2015-18)
2018: GSW -1000, CLE +650
2017: GSW -240, CLE +200
2016: GSW -215, CLE +180
2015: GSW -220, CLE +185 pic.twitter.com/UP1aJN1laZ
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.
