The Golden State Warriors need just a win to bring another Larry O’Brien Trophy to the Bay Area. Will the Warriors finish the job in six games? Or, will the Boston Celtics force a Game 7?
Catch this game live on Friday, June 17, at 9 AM, Manila time.
Away: Golden State Warriors (3-2/1-1 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Stephen Curry
- SG: Klay Thompson
- SF: Andrew Wiggins
- PF: Draymond Green
- C: Kevon Looney
Stephen Curry had an atrocious shooting night in Game 5, but it ultimately did not matter to the Warriors. Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole took care of most of the business to lead Golden State to a 104-84 win. Much has been said about Wiggins after he posted 26 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block in Game 5. While Curry remains the favorite to win the Finals MVP award, Wiggins is making a case for himself for his consistent play on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ defense is arguably the best reason why the team is just a win away from a return to the top of the NBA. Their offensive efficiency remains pretty much the same in wins and losses, but it’s a different story in terms of defense; Golden State’s defensive rating in wins in this Finals series is at 95.5 – a big leap from 125.5 in losses. It is also a major reason why the Warriors managed to weather Curry’s off night. That’s a very bad sign for the Celtics heading to Game 6, considering how rare it is to see Curry churn out consecutive bad performances. The Warriors are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Home: Boston Celtics (2-3/1-1 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Marcus Smart
- SG: Jaylen Brown
- SF: Jayson Tatum
- PF: Grant Williams
- C: Robert Williams
With their backs against the wall, the Celtics can remain calm knowing that the upcoming game will be at their nest. Being in friendlier confines could be just what the doctor ordered for Jaylen Brown, who sputtered from the field in Game 5, where he shot 5/18 and turned the ball over five times. He did have 18 points and went 8/10 from the free-throw line, but the Celtics can’t have another such inefficient game from him. Jayston Tatum had 27 points in Game 5 to go with 1o rebounds, but couldn’t make shots to fall in the clutch.
It would definitely be a lot easier for the Celtics if their bench coughs up more support for Brown and Tatum. Payton Pritchard, Grant Williams, and Derrick White combined for just 4 points on 1/9 shooting in Tuesday’s loss. One thing to know about the Celtics ahead of Game 6 is that they are 3-0 straight up this season in elimination games. They have been down this road before. Boston also needed to win the last two games of the series agianst the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round and the Celtics did just that, winning Game 7 in enemy territory. The Celtics enter Game 6 with an 8-2 ATS record in their last 10 games after a two-day break.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Celtics cover (-3.5)
Over/Under: Taking the Over (209.5).
