The Golden State Warriors have gone 15-0 thus far through the NBA playoffs and can make history tonight in becoming the first team to sweep every series en route to an NBA title. Klay Thompson had a big Game 3, as did (predictably) Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, and with the Warriors having all the momentum, the majority of our player prop analysis for this game will focus on the Dubs.
Granted, we must give LeBron James his due props (no pun intended) for an impressive series, but his heroics have not been quite enough.
James finished +7 for his 46 minutes of play, but the Cavaliers were outscored by 12 points in the mere two minutes in which James rested. Accordingly, while he has been the most impressive player on the court, it just has not been enough for Tyronn Lue to coax competitive play from his cast of teammates. Kyrie Irving scored 38, but outside of his play the Cavaliers simply fell flat and short once again.
Prop Bets c/o Bovada
Will Stephen Curry record a Double-double?
Yes (+175), No (-215)
Stephen Curry typically records his double-doubles by means of his scoring and passing, but in these NBA Finals it has been the 6’3” guard hitting the boards to get the job done. That is what gives us the YES, here, expecting Curry to once again notch double-digit boards with his usual impressive scoring.
Because the Warriors have gone small so often, it has required a collective team effort on the glass and Curry has stepped up to the challenge. He had 13 last game and 10 the game before, and we are going to go with the chance that Curry once again does it. YES.
Will Kevin Durant record a Double-Double?
Yes (-140), No (+110)
Kevin Durant had just eight boards in Game 3, and with Curry doing so much on the glass, eight is probably enough. He had four assists. His biggest contribution has been his efficient scoring in managing 30 points on 18 field goal attempts. We expect the same from Durantula again, likely going for another 30-plus point game but falling shy in the rebounding and assists. An unpopular NO here is our answer.
Will Draymond Green record a Double-Double?
Yes (EVEN), No (-130)
Draymond Green did not get double-figures in points, rebounds or assists despite a very good Game 3, and with the Dubs doing the glass by-committee, we are going to expect Green to fall shy of a double-double again. He likely will hit double-figures in at least one category, but falling shy in all three does not inspire confidence in doing it in two of the three categories. NO.
Will LeBron James record a Double-double?
Yes (-400), No (+300)
James said there are “bigger things than basketball,” and among them was his home being vandalized with racial slurs prior to these Finals beginning. His focus has been impeccable, and his play has been too, despite that cruel stunt by whomever it was.
James has averaged 12.3 rebounds, 10.3 assists and 33 points throughout the first three Games of the NBA Finals, making a double-double seem like a cinch. We expect the likely YES at -400, and it will not be a great payout of course but it is a bet ranging on the safer side.
Will Kevin Love record a Double-Double?
Yes (-250), No (+195)
Kevin Love struggled badly with his shot in Game 3, and that is exactly why we think he does turn it around in what will likely be the series’ final game. Love need only hit his shots and get back to the glass, and James may put a bug in his ear to step it back up because that is the Cavaliers only chance to stay in this series and push it back to Golden State.
It is difficult to trust a guy who hit just one field goal in the last game, but Love is still a borderline superstar and was once sensational in Minnesota, so we are going to go with YES (-250). This is easily a bet that could be left on the table though, if the bettor is weary of his Game 3 struggles.
