Some may say the Raptors didn’t really deserve the Game 3 win against the Klay-less Warriors, but they earned their Game 1 victory and almost took Game 2 so Thompson’s recent hip injury is beside the point. The Raps are deemed legitimate contenders with or without both Splash Brothers on the court, even if (or especially since?) their star Kawhi Leonard hasn’t played with any aggression since the Eastern Conference Finals. So here they are, up 2-1 in a series many predicted would result in a sweep by Golden State and they want to take one more on the road so they can wrap the Finals up in front of Drake at home. Of course, Golden State has other plans and Thompson will be on the court for this Friday’s game. Durant? He may suit up, but even if he struts on to the floor his recent calf tear will weigh heavy on his psyche and pending free agency.
Can Toronto actually go up 3-1 before heading back to Canada? The sportsbook doesn’t think so, favoring the Warriors by 5.5-points (opening spread), although the Finals series pricing is edging closer to the unthinkable – a Toronto Raptors NBA Championship. But first, let’s see what’s in store for Game 4.
Betting on the Toronto Raptors (58-24 Regular Season)
Kyle Lowry has become notorious for his propensity for turning into a ghost whenever the stakes are high, but in Game 3, the All-Star point guard made himself visible, as he stepped up and delivered the blows on both ends of the court in a 123-109 win in Oakland. Lowry scored 23 points with nine assists, a block, and a rebound in 43 minutes of action. Kawhi Leonard added a team-high 30 points. All five starters scored at least 17 points for the Raptors, which was a good sign for the team going forward. Serge Ibaka and Fred VanVleet provided the pop off the bench for Toronto. Ibaka was a beast on defense, as he swatted away six shots, while VanVleet chipped in 11 points with three 3-pointers. With the Warriors missing a solid perimeter defender in Klay Thompson, the Raptors capitalized and shot 52.4 percent from the field. The Raptors hit 17 triples. Expect them to throw bombs from deep to keep Golden State’s injury-wracked roster scrambling on defense.
The Raptors are 3-0 against the spread (ATS) in their last three games in Oakland and are 34-36-1 ATS after a win, covering 48.6% of the time.
Betting on the Golden State Warriors (57-25 Regular Season)
It’s one thing to not have Kevin Durant. It’s an entirely different when it’s Durant and Klay Thompson who are missing for the Warriors. The team found that out the hard way in Game 3, with Stephen Curry playing like the only functioning wheel of a wheelbarrow. Curry exploded for 47 points on 14-for-31 shooting from the field, including a 6-for-14 line from behind the arc. Draymond Green was the Warriors’ next productive scorer with 17 points, but it was clear that Green could not be the smooth engine of the Warriors’ offense he’s always been without the two elite scorers. There’s a possibility, however, that both Durant (maybe) and Thompson (definitely) will see action in Game 4. Durant is reportedly set to have a 3-on-3 scrimmage before the next game, while Thompson was on the active list in Game 3, but was only held back for obvious precautionary measures. In any case, DeMarcus Cousins and every other healthy Warriors should step up and help Curry out.
The over is 2-0 in Golden State’s last two home games.
