The NBA Finals have arrived as Pickswise will be handing out daily winning NBA picks starting on Thursday. With over a decade of combined winning experience, Pickswise is your number one NBA Finals playoff resource to win. To kick off the Finals, the Toronto Raptors from the Eastern Conference will go toe to toe with the Golden State Warriors from the Western Conference. Enjoy these free NBA playoff predictions? Give @Pickswise a follow and get a first hand-look on his daily research.
Game 6: Warriors vs. Raptors
Line: Warriors -140
Pickswise Expert Picks: Warriors Win
Game five had lots of drama…and then it came down to the wire with Golden State doing just enough to get the win and extend the series. Now we are back to Oracle for another emotional game, the absolute last at the arena. There will be no KD drama which is probably a good thing but you can argue the Warriors might have lost without him and those early 11 points. They do get some momentum back for this one but is that enough, basically they are two person team on offense, even though the duo of Steph and Klay have proven deadly throughout their careers. Kawhi had a monster second half but alas it was not enough to close out the series. He did not get a ton of help but the Raptors have shown that they are not going to be intimidated by playing on the road. However, now it seems like destiny that the Warriors will extend to a game seven. The Warriors at home, to win, seems like the play to make for game six.
Game 5: Warriors vs. Raptors
Line: Raptors -120
Pickswise Expert Picks: Raptors Win
I don’t love this pick because I feel like this could be a game that the Warriors could go back to their old form and show why they are such a good team. That being said there is no way I can bet against the Raptors on the money line, especially with the way they looked in the last two games on the road. The defense was strong and they limited everyone besides Curry and he couldn’t do it themselves. Look for another big game for Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry and that will be enough to lead the Raptors to win this game. Back the Raptors to win this game and win their first championship.
Game 4: Warriors vs. Raptors
Line: Raptors +185
Pickswise Expert Picks: Raptors Win
The Raptors took the series lead with a strong win against a shorthanded Warriors team in game three. The game featured some really good shooting by the Raptors for sure but more importantly they were in control throughout. Heading into this one there is lots of speculation that both Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant will be on the floor but it is difficult to determine how much of a difference they will make. Both are fantastic players but if they are not at 100% could be more of a hindrance than a help, especially if they cannot figure it out quickly.
With due respect I am not sure putting them automatically gives the Warriors the boost they want/need even though it should on paper. Toronto has simply been really good throughout these playoffs and seems to be peaking in the NBA Finals. They are also coming off a win that should have their confidence at a really high level. Despite being the leaders in the series they are the underdogs in this game making them a really great value here. I would rather roll with the momentum than assume Durant and Thompson are the difference makers they can be. Take Toronto.
Game 3: Warriors vs. Raptors
Line: Warriors -190
Pickswise Expert Picks: Warriors Win
There is no doubt the Warriors are short handed but they proved once again in game three that it doesn’t matter who is out there, they are going to find a way to have success. DeMarcus Cousins is still working back from injury but he was strong in game two going 28 minutes and scoring 11 points. The Raptors don’t have anyone to match up with him and he is going to cause issues again this year. Klay Thompson seems to be in a good position to play in this game, and I expect he will be another X-Factor. The Warriors also come back to Oracle and that is quite the home court advantage, especially in the playoffs. Back the home team to get the job done on the money line.
Line: Raptors -130
Pickswise Expert Picks: Warriors Win
Game 1: Warriors vs. Raptors
Line: Warriors -105
Pickswise Expert Picks: Warriors Win
People think to seem the Raptors can win this game because they are at home but beating the Bucks and beating the Warriors at home are two different beasts. When the Warriors take away one guy from the Warriors there are two or three other guys that can step up, something the Bucks didn’t have. The Raptors are going to have to decide if they want Curry or Thompson in this game. Whichever guy they take away, I expect the other guy will have a huge game and that will be the difference. This game is basically a pick em and the Warriors should have no issue winning this game on the money line.
