Celtics Versus Warriors Game 1: Thursday, June 2nd, at Golden State, 8 pm Central
Warriors are 3-point (via Caesar Sports book) in Game 1; making the Celtics the underdogs (+140 for the entire series)
Top 10 Players in the Series:
- Steph Curry
- Jayson Tatum
- Draymond Green
- Jaylen Brown
- Marcus Smart
- Klay Thompson
- Jordan Poole
- Al Horford
- Andrew Wiggins
- Robert Williams
Let’s Get Into It
Let’s get straight to the good part. Player matchups! Styles make fights, and this Finals matchup is full of great individual matchups:
Curry vs Smart
The unstoppable force meets the immovable object! Smart has been one of Curry’s peskiest defenders. He’s strong and athletic enough to run with Curry and fight through screens. He’s got enough length (6 ft 3) to alter shots, when in the right position. Most importantly, Marcus Smart has the basketball IQ to know the right decisions when facing Curry in that crazy Golden State Offense. Will that be enough to hold off Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history? I think he gives them a fighting chance if he can hold up physically.
Draymond vs Horford
This is a battle of the old geezers. Everybody knows the impact of Draymond Green. He’s a defensive savant, Curry’s favorite assist man, and most importantly big brother of this Warriors squad. Draymond is the main voice on and off the court, but He’s going up against a veteran in Big Al, who isn’t easily rattled. Al Horford doesn’t have any Finals experience, but plenty of playoff experience to make up for it. Horford is also going to be the biggest big man between these two teams. Combine this with the ability to knockdown open jumpers; Al could be the strategic piece to tip the scales in Boston’s favor.
Jayson & Jaylen vs Klay & Wiggins
Battle of the Wings on this win! This is where Boston has its biggest talent advantage. Brown and Tatum are Boston’s best players and scorers. Both are capable of getting a bucket whenever they want and locking up on the defensive end. Golden State is no slouch on the other side though! Klay Thompson is one of the greatest shooters of all time, and Andrew Wiggins is the only player who can match the athleticism of Boston’s duo. The separation comes with Klay, while he’s been balling lately, still not being the same Klay from 2 years ago. At the end of the day, I think Klay will be able to hold his own, but Wiggins scares me. He has a habit of not bringing his A-Game consistently.
Boston Advantages:
- Athleticism
- Length
- Style of Play & Matchups
Golden State Advantages:
- Basketball IQ
- Experience Player & Coach
- Shooting & Skills
This is where the finals is going to be to won (in my humble opinion)
Health!
Robert Williams and Marcus Smart have been battling injuries throughout the playoffs. Smart has had an ankle injury, which should be fine with the time off. The only issue is later in the series; there is a big risk of re-aggravating that ankle with all the switching and running he will be doing. Robert Williams’ injury is far more severe. Williams had MCL surgery mid year, and returned just in time for the playoffs. He will be day-to-day during the finals, but he is an absolute KEY piece to their defense. While being their best defender, he also leaves Horford free to matchup with Draymond without worrying about Kevin Looney.
When it’s all said and done…Dubs in 7
