NBA Playoff Matchup: Game 2, West Finals – Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors

NBA Playoff Matchup: Game 2, West Finals – Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 18 – 9:05 PM ET
Site: Oracle Arena – Oakland
TV Coverage: TNT

NBA Odds at BetAnySports Asian Sportsbooks

Pointspread: Warriors -8.5
Total: 222.5 points

We obviously know that the Golden State Warriors can come back after defeat, because they have done that after each time they have lost this season. And in case you’ve been under a rock since October, that has not been many times. But if they lose a second consecutive game for the first time all season on Wednesday, it’s going to cost them more than any other defeat this season, because it will mean they’re going down 2-0 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in his best-of-seven series for the Western Conference championship. Game time is 9:05 PM ET at the Oracle Arena, and keep in mind that BetAnySports customers, who already get reduced juice wagering before the game starts, have an opportunity to keep the action going with Live Betting Ultra, which really puts them in the driver’s seat as far as real-time wagering against dynamic odds while the game is in progress.

Golden State really looked like it was in command when the teams went into the dressing room at halftime, as they were up by 13 points. But one would have to say that Oklahoma City actually surprised them when they came out smoking in the second half. When these two teams had played during the season – three matchups in all – Golden State had pulled away or come back from a deficit each time in the fourth quarter, although these games were very competitive. In fact, when you take a look at the action from the end of the third quarter onward, including overtime, the Warriors shot slightly over 50% against OKC, while the Thunder it only 37% of their shots. And in terms of three-pointers, Golden State was at 44%, on the way to an Effective Field Goal Percentage of 55.9%, which was the highest against the Thunder this season.

But Oklahoma City turned on the defense and rebounding in the final stanza, holding the Warriors to just 14 points, and Steph Curry, who scored 46 against Billy Donovan’s team on February 27, including 12 triples, was held to only one field goal. Curry also turned the ball over seven times, which was a significant factor. Steve Kerr talked after the game about how his team lost poise when it came down to the final stages. Well, they better get that poise back for Game 2, because OKC is a team that is very much for real. BetAnySports patrons know that when you can score two playoff victories over team like San Antonio, which was 40-1 at home, and then take Game 1 against Golden State, which not only registered a 39-2 home record, but set an NBA record for consecutive regular-season home wins, you are definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Golden State needs to get more out of it center position, which total only four points and six rebounds, especially when you consider that Steven Adams, the pivot man for the Thunder, had a plus/minus rating of +20 on the evening. And what happened to that Golden State bench? We know that they contribute defensively, but getting just 16 points out of the reserves is almost unacceptable.

Granted, the Warriors seemed to do a pretty good defensive job against both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who shot 33% from the field between them, but one thing they will have to start doing that they have not done in the three regular-season encounters with Oklahoma City is grab offensive rebounds. They were only able to get 15% of those chances in the regular season, and just 16% on Monday. That is, unless Curry and his teammates get very, very hot from the field. It is certainly possible, as Golden State shot a collective 50% in their three regular-season matches with this Thunder squad.

Taking a look at the series price, the Warriors are at -200, with the Thunder at +170, according to futures odds at BetAnySports, where you get a nice free play bonus, not to mention some other goodies, like reduced juice wagering on all your NBA action……Also, keep in mind that you can conduct all of your transactions using the virtual currency of Bitcoin. Join up today!

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