NBA Preview: The Golden State Warriors look to put a stranglehold on this series with a win in Game 3.
#1 Golden State Warriors (73-15) at #5 Utah Jazz (55-36), Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
Line: Warriors -5. Total 208.
Golden State is in cruise control through six games this postseason.
However, many bettors might argue with that sentiment. The Warriors are just 3-3 ATS (Against The Spread) in their six playoff games. Utah was able to back-door the number against Golden State and cover the spread in the final minute of both games.
The bottom line is the Warriors bench is not deep. So when garbage time kicks in during the final couple minutes of a game whose outcome is already determined, the Warriors are being outscored enough to go from covering the spread to not covering the spread.
Golden State has not been that impressive their last five trips into Salt Lake City. Sure, the Warriors are 4-1 straight up, but they are just 2-3 ATS in those five games. Golden State won by 7 points twice (once in overtime), by 3 points once and by 11 points once. The Warriors lost by 10 in the other game.
The talking heads on television are saying that the Cavaliers and Warriors are paying attention to what the other is doing this postseason. They are saying if Cleveland sweeps Toronto, then Golden State is going to want to sweep Utah to keep pace.
The Warriors do not have anyone putting up spectacular numbers in this series against Utah. However, it has been a total team effort as the Big 4 are spreading the wealth.
Stephen Curry is averaging 22.5 points per game, 6 assists per game and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Kevin Durant is averaging 21 points per game, 6 assists per game and 8 rebounds per game. Draymond Green is averaging 19 points per game, 6 assists per game and 7.5 rebounds per games, while Klay Thompson is averaging 14.5 points per games, 4 assists per game and 4 rebounds per game.
Green left Game 2 in the fourth quarter after his left knee locked up on him. He is listed as probable for Game 3.
For the Jazz, Gordon Hayward is averaging 22.5 points per game, 4 assists per game and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Rudy Gobert is averaging 14.5 points per game and 12 rebounds per game in this series.
George Hill sat out Game 2 for the Jazz with lingering soreness in his left big toe. Hill is questionable for Game 3. Joe Johnson is listed as probable for Game 3 with an injury to his pinkie finger.
The Warriors know that they will get Utah’s best shot in Game 3. The Jazz know if they lose Game 3, the series is basically over. No NBA team has ever come back to win a 4-game series after losing the first three games. If Golden State wins Game 3, they will likely sweep the series.
My postseason record: 13-4 (+$765).
My pick:
No play. Golden State has been my toughest team to handicap all season.
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