Media by Associated Press – En foto del lunes 13 de junio del 2022, el alero de los Warriors de Golden State Andrew Wiggins clava el balón en el duelo ante los Celtics de Boston. (AP Foto/Jed Jacobsohn)
The Golden State Warriors are again in familiar territory as the dynasty looks to finish off the latest chapter with their seventh NBA championship and fourth since 2015. They hit the road for a close out Game 6 at the TD Garden against the Boston Celtics at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday.
It felt as if the Celtics could take a 3-1 lead after having a five-point halftime lead. But the Warriors outscored them by 15 in the second half and then nine in the fourth quarter of Game 5 to win by 10. That’s after Boston stormed back in the third quarter to take the lead.
Trailing in the series, but on home court, makes the Celtics favorites at -4. The over/under is set at 209.5. Think the Warriors close it out? The Golden State moneyline is +140.
Though if Vegas has its way, the Celtics will win. The Warriors are 3-2 against the spread in the series, and the under is also 3-2.
Bettors are siding with the Celtics with 53% of the money on Boston against the spread. Another 59% are on the over.
Capitalize on mistakes
Golden State forced 18 Boston turnovers in Game 5, which led to 22 points. That was certainly the difference; building a larger lead in the first half and then in the fourth quarter, it was again key. They struggled against Boston’s increased defensive pressure, and they can expect to see that again.
For the jokes Andrew Wiggins has endured in his career, the former No. 1 pick may very well be Finals MVP. As the Warriors have needed rebounding, Wiggins has answered the call. In Game 4, he had 17 points and 16 rebounds.
Then in Game 5, he had 26 points and 13 rebounds. Whether he can continue that into a championship with Boston likely making adjustments will be a tall order. If he can, though, the Warriors may be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Consistent pressure
Many thought the Warriors would win the series so the Celtics can play free and with confidence, having had Game 7 wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat to get to this point.
But the consistent pressure they need is on the defensive end. They erased a 12-point deficit to open the third quarter of Game 4 and in victories have bothered shooters and concentrated on boxing out for rebounds.
Turnovers really hampered them last game, but so has shot selection. Emerging star Jayson Tatum has struggled with efficiency, sometimes settling for bad shots.
He isn’t alone, so Boston needs to also play with discipline on offense if they want to clinch the organization’s 18th championship and first since 2008.
Betting Prediction
Oddsmakers try to keep things balanced so it would seem as though Celtics -4 is the play, and that’s what the public is thinking. Feeding off the vicious home crowd should supply extra energy and adrenaline for the Celtics, too.
Though the Warriors are capable of winning big games on the road, they are 26-24 away from home during the regular season and playoffs. Boston is 34-18 at home.
We’ll take Celtics -4 to extend the series.
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