NBA Finals Odds
The matchup is set for the 2019 NBA Finals and it will features the two-time defending champs against a team making its Finals debut. Here’s a look at the odds to claim the championship.
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Golden State Warriors remain the favorite to win the championship this series, as they are getting odds of -285 to win. The Toronto Raptors are listed with a money line of +240 to win. The NBA Finals are set to begin on Thursday in Toronto.
The Warriors are the favorite despite Toronto having the home-court-advantage in the series. Golden State is the top seed out of the West and coming off a sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. The sweep was needed, as the Warriors are beat up. Kevin Durant has missed the last five games with a calf injury and it’s unknown when he will, if at all, return for this series. DeMarcus Cousins is dealing with a quad injury but could return for this series after missing all of the postseason. Andre Iguodala is dealing with a calf injury as well, but is expected to be available on Thursday.
The Raptors are the second seed coming out of the East. They just defeated the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in six games. Kawhi Leonard has been the best player in the entire playoffs, averaging 31.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Leonard’s previous championship experience and poise is showing this year for a Toronto team that hasn’t been able to get the job done previously. Toronto is making its first-ever NBA Finals appearance.
These two teams met twice during the season and the Raptors won both contests, getting a 131-128 OT win at home back on Nov. 29, then picking up a 113-93 win at Golden State on Dec. 12. Obviously, it has been some time since then. Toronto brings in a defense that really shined against Milwaukee while Golden State continues to be an offensive force even without Durant. Stephen Curry has been rolling, as he has scored at least 33 points in all five games without Durant available.