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Game 1 Props – Best Bets

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
4 minute read
Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals tips off Thursday and bettors will have plenty of opportunities to cash tickets on the best-of-seven series between the Warriors and Cavaliers.

Along with your basic side and total wagers, all sportsbooks are offering up “Proposition Wagers” or “Props” for each game of the series.

Similar to our predictions for each round, our trio of NBA experts will be offering up their Best Prop Bets for each game.

Based on a five-unit bankroll for each game, their top plays are listed below for the opener between Golden State and Cleveland.

Odds & Props provided by [...]

Chris David

2 Units – Over Stephen Curry Total Made 3-Point Field Goals 4.5 (-115)

In 11 playoff games, Curry has connected on five or more 3-points five times and four of those efforts came in his last five games against the Rockets. He’s averaging close to 11 attempts from distance (10.7) in the postseason and he’s posted 5 triples in each of the last three home games. He’s also hoisted 12, 13 and 14 shots which tells you that he’s much more comfortable chucking away at Oracle Arena. Going against a weaker defense in Cleveland should also help his confidence and another reason to go high on this prop.

2 Units – Under Kyle Korver Total Points 9.5 (+100)

This is a play on home-away numbers and Korver just hasn’t been consistent on the road this season or in the playoffs. He’s averaging 8.2 PPG in nine road games this postseason and that average was blown up with two big efforts (18, 19) against the Pacers and Raptors. Versus Golden State this season, he was held to an over 3.0 PPG and going back to last year’s finals, he averaged 5 PPG in the series. He’s not great defensively and that alone will keep him off the court. Plus if the game gets out of control, I would expect Lue to lean on his youngsters off the bench rather than him.

1 Unit – Over Draymond Green Total Made 3-Point Field Goals 1.5 (+160)

This particular prop won’t be easy but the positive return has me buying. Green has only eclipsed this number six times in 17 playoff games and he never made more than two shots from distance. However, I do believe he’ll have opportunities in the opener and he’s averaging close to six attempts (5.6) from 3-point land in the playoffs.

Kevin Rogers

2 Units - Under LeBron James Total 34.5 points (-115)

The Cavaliers have gotten off to slow starts in each of their first three series. Cleveland was blown out by Indiana and Boston, while needing overtime to knock off Toronto. In those three games, James put up 24, 26, and 15 points, while scoring 20 points in only game at Oracle Arena this season.

2 Units - Over J.R. Smith Total Made 3-Point Field Goals 1.5 (-185)

It not asking a lot for Smith to knock a pair of three-pointers, as Smith has drilled at least two treys in 11 of 18 playoff games. Smith did fail to hit a three-pointer in three games in the conference finals, but converted on 17 three-pointers in the last three games of the 2017 NBA Finals against Golden State.

1 Unit - Under Kevin Durant Total 30.5 points (-115)

Durant put together a dynamic series against the Rockets by averaging 30.4 ppg, while topping the 34-point mark three times. However, Durant only broke the 30-point mark once in three playoff series openers as he posted 24 points against San Antonio in Game 1 of the first round and 26 points against New Orleans in the second round opener.

Tony Mejia

2 Units - Over Kevin Durant Total 42.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115)

He'll be aggressive and should be able to put together a big night in Game 1, taking advantage of the fact the Cavs don't have anyone who can guard him. If he draws double-teams, Steve Kerr will again remind him to trust teammates. I'd expect at least seven rebounds to also aide the cause.

1.5 Units - Over LeBron James Total 2.5 3-pointers (-115)

James has been more confident in his perimeter touch this postseason and can't be under no delusions that he'll be able to guide his team to an upset without fighting fire with fire. Simply getting to the free-throw line won't cut it, so I think he'll aggressive fire up the 3-ball, knocking down enough to cash this prop.

1.5 Units - Under Kevin Love Total 10 rebounds (-120)

Love is expected to start and play his usual minutes, but it remains to be seen how effective he'll be. With James, Tristan Thompson and Jeff Green around to also gobble up boards, I don't see him reaching double-figures.


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