NBA: Warriors tipped to rebound against Raptors
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Recommended bet: Golden State Warriors to beat Toronto Raptors by 16-20 points @ 5/1
The Golden State Warriors endured a bruising Christmas Day, losing to their arch-rivals the Cleveland Cavaliers once more. The Cavs stunned GSW in the finals last year, coming from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and on Sunday overturned a 14-point deficit at the Q.
Questions are once again being asked of Steve Kerr’s team of all-stars. What’s wrong with Draymond Green’s discipline? Where has Steph Curry’s form gone? The two-time MVP has been off-colour for most of the season, seemingly struggling to adapt to the summer arrival of Kevin Durant.
However, don’t let talk of a crisis throw you off the scent. The Warriors are still an outstanding team and, were it not for an Andre Iguodala turnover on the fast break, would have beaten the Cavs.
They are back in the Bay against Cleveland’s biggest rivals in the East, the Toronto Raptors, and you can expect them to put on a show. Take them at 5/1 to win by 16-20.
Durant has been excellent since switching from Oklahoma City, averaging 26.2 points per game while Curry, for all his troubles, is at 24.1. His main problem has been shooting the three, his averaging dropping below 40% for the season, but his 13 threes in a game earlier in the season show he is still more than capable.
If Golden State fire together, as they could well do after a chastening loss, someone is going to take a heavy beating.
Recommended bet: Milwaukee Bucks to beat Detroit Pistons @ 7/5
The Bucks have been one of the most impressive performers in the East this season, holding a 14-15 record ahead of their meeting with Detroit (15-18).
The Pistons have just beaten Cleveland, although the Cavs rested LeBron James for that clash, and the Bucks certainly have it in them to knock Stan van Gundy’s side over.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 23.4 points per game – almost seven more than his career best – and 2016 NBA winner Matthew Dellavedova is returning 5.7 assists per game. The Bucks are definitely a team to watch.
