On the eve of the NBA Finals, King James Gospel takes a look at the odds for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they take on the Golden State Warriors.
After a week of rest, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors prepare for a third clash in the NBA Finals on Thursday night.
There are legacies being pursued, ghosts being chased and egos on the line.
If the Cavaliers win again, does LeBron James now become widely recognized as the best player ever?
If the Warriors lose again, will Stephen Curry become know as a choker in the Finals?
Will we forget about Kevin Durant leaving Oklahoma City and joining a rival team if Golden State takes home the trophy?
Does LeBron or Curry have more to lose in this heavyweight matchup?
We will all have to wait and see how this series unfolds to find out. Speaking of finding out, here is the schedule for this highly anticipated Finals, so make sure you have your popcorn and drink of choice ready.
2017 NBA Finals Schedule
- Game 1 – Cleveland at Golden State, Thursday, June 1st at 9:00 PM ET on ABC
- Game 2 – Cleveland at Golden State, Sunday, June 4 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC
- Game 3 – Golden State at Cleveland, Wednesday, June 7 at 9:00 PM ET on ABC
- Game 4 – Golden State at Cleveland, Friday, June 9, at 9:00 PM ET on ABC
- *Game 5 (If Needed) – Cleveland at Golden State, Monday, June 12 at 9 PM on ABC
- *Game 6 (If Needed) – Golden State at Cleveland, Thursday, June 15 at 9 PM on ABC
- *Game 7 (If Needed) – Cleveland at Golden State, Sunday, June 18 at 8 PM ET on ABC
The Odds According To Vegas
LeBron James and the Cavaliers will head into Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Warriors as seven point underdogs according to OddsShark.com.
The Warriors have had their way throughout these playoffs so far. Golden State has swept their first three playoff opponents and has cruised to a win in almost every game. The Warriors come into the Finals ranked first in defensive rating (99.1), second in offensive rating (115.8), and first in assists per game (27.8).
The Cavs have been holding up there end of the deal as well. Cleveland ranks first in offensive rating (120.7), third in defensive rating (104.6), and first in three pointers made per game (14.6).
Not to mention that the Cavaliers are the team that is defending their title, so it sounds funny that the Warriors are such heavy favorites at -240 on the NBA series prices.
Kevin Love doesn’t see his team as the underdogs in this series, per APNews.com.
"The whole underdog thing is funny to me, because yeah, at the end of the day we are defending our title. We’re trying to repeat, which is so hard to do. I think we will use it as fuel. We will use it as motivation, but the idea of playing into it? It’s tough for me to say that is the case. I don’t feel like we’re underdogs."
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It is interesting that so many are doubting the Cavaliers, as they did in last year’s Finals. The Warriors have definitely improved their roster since last seasons showdown, but the Cavs have as well.
Whenever a team has the best player on the floor, they always have a good chance in the series.
Advantage Cavaliers.
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Who do you think will win the NBA Finals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.