The series that NBA fans have been waiting for -- and bettors have eyed -- since June 2016 is finally here.
The Golden State Warriors are seeking revenge from last year's Finals after blowing what seemed to be an insurmountable 3-1 series lead. The opening two games last year featured the Warriors as a 6-to-6.5-point favorite with Golden State outscoring the Cleveland Cavaliers 214-166 in two easy spread covers.
The pointspread is similar this season, with the Warriors a 7-point favorite in Game 1 with a series price of -255 (Cavs +215) at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. In addition, it's worth noting in the Christmas Day showdown the Warriors were favored by 3.5 points in Cleveland. They lost 109-108. Golden State embarrassed Cleveland in the quick turnaround rematch as a 9-point favorite on its home court in mid-January.
Compared to the 2016 series, this Game 1 total is the huge mover. In 2016 the Game 1 total number was 211, while Game 7 eventually closed around 205. Four of the seven games landing under the total (with one push). Both 2016-17 regular-season games fell short of the total. This is all worth mentioning, as the current Game 1 total from the Westgate is 226 or a full 21 points higher than last year's ending number. Overs have ruled the 2017 NBA playoffs with a significant 44-29-1 trend.
Here's my breakdown of the best bets for the 2017 NBA Finals.
