If you were to tell basketball fans the Warriors would win an NBA Finals game without Stephen Curry making a three, not many would believe it. That was the outcome of Monday’s bizarre Game 5, as Andrew Wiggins (26 PTS, 13 REB) and a strong team performance defensively has Golden State one step closer to securing another Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Entering Thursday’s Game 6 as +3.5 point road underdogs, bettors do not expect Steve Kerr’s group to celebrate a potential title on Boston’s home floor. While the Dubs managed to steal Game 4 at TD Garden thanks to Curry’s heroics (43 PTS), overall, they have been far less potent away from Chase Center. In nine playoff road games this season, the Warriors are 4-5, covering in just three of those contests.
As for the Celtics, their backs are against the wall after failing to capitalize on Curry’s off-night in Game 5, ultimately done in by a combination of turnovers (18), poor free-throw shooting (67.7%), and a 20-point fourth quarter. Despite the disappointing showing, Monday marked just the first time all postseason that Boston dropped back-to-back games, a fact not lost on bettors given the C’s status as home favorites.
If there is a reason for pause, it’s that home court has not necessarily been an advantage for Ime Udoka’s group this postseason, Boston a mediocre 6-5 at TD Garden and 5-6 ATS.
That said, it’s reasonable to expect the C’s to play with a sense of desperation, given their season/title hopes hang in the balance. A resilient group all playoffs, it would not be shocking to see Jayson Tatum and company respond once again in a must-win situation.
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