NBA Finals Preview Game 2:

Golden State Warriors at Toronto Raptors—Odds, Picks, Trends

GS @ TOR

Game 2

Tor Leads 1-0

Time: 7 PM (CT) ABC

Spread: TOR -2

Total: 213.5

Odds c/o 5dimes

For the first time in an NBA Finals series, the Golden State Warriors dropped the series opener. Toronto emerged as Game 1 victors and will look to take a 2-0 series leads as 2-point favorites in NBA Finals action on ABC at 7 PM (CT). The over/under is set at 213.5 points according to NBA Oddsmakers at 5dimes.

Golden State had 10 days off before the Finals tipped off, and the rust seemed present. The Warriors shot just 43.6 percent from the field and 38 percent from three, though it did connect on 29 of 31 from the free throw line. Stephen Curry was 14 of 14 from the line and 8 of 18 from the field en route to 34 points, five assists, and five rebounds. Klay Thompson was 8 of 17 from the field and scored 21 in his 39 minutes of court time. But the Warriors scarcely had an answer for the dynamic Raptors forwards that have given all teams problems this postseason: Pascal Siakam had 32 points and eight rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard added 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Marc Gasol also was an efficient 6 of 10 from the floor and 6 of 6 from the line for 20 points and a +8 mark for his 30 minutes of court time. The Warriors will return Andre Iguodala to its fold this game, but it still to be without Kevin Durant for at least one more game. At this point, Durant’s rim protection and defense is every bit as missed as his offensive contributions. The Warriors are without the length to answer Leonard and Siakam, and the center play against Gasol has been weak at best. Kevon Looney saw 28 minutes in Game 1, and that likely happens again with DeMarcus Cousins not looking quite ready. Cousins played just eight minutes in Game 1, and he appears to be an absolute defensive liability at this point in the season for the Warriors, who are having enough trouble with Gasol with a mobile Looney filling in.

Fred Van Vleet made another big contribution off the bench with 15 points in 33 minutes and a +11 mark for his time on the court. The Raptors have tightened up its rotation, but Norman Powell saw just five minutes after having a tremendous Conference Finals appearance against the Milwaukee Bucks. Moreover, Serge Ibaka saw just 17 minutes backing up Siakam, and that is likely a trend we see continue with the Raptors turning the keys over to its young power forward.

Siakam has a huge speed advantage against most 4s, and he blew by the Warriors to shoot 14 of 17 from the field in Game 1. Expect the Raptors to work what has already worked, as the Warriors try to adjust and heat up from the field in a tough Game 2. Though the Raptors are 1-0 and 2-point favorites, series odds still favor the Dubs.

ATS TRENDS (C/o Covers):