NBA Finals Odds – Thompson’s Presence Makes it Harder for Cavs to Match Up

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By Charles Jay

NBA Finals Odds have been posted on a Game 1 by the people at BetAnySports and Golden State is the solid favorite:

Over 202.5 points -110
Under 202.5 points -110

Klay Thompson, one-half of the famous “Splash Brothers” combination in the backcourt for the Golden State Warriors, is very definitely a guy who carries an awful lot of value. But there was much concern in Game 5 of the West finals against the Houston Rockets, as he suffered what was later determined to be a concussion. Basketball is not like boxing, which puts competitors on the sidelines for at least a month when they are “concussed.”

So Thompson, who complained of “nagging headaches” on that particular evening, has had the opportunity to go through concussion protocols ordered by the NBA, and he has been cleared to participate in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which takes place at 9 PM ET at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. Keep in mind that even after the opening tip off, customers at BetAnySports get the place wagers on the side, total and various props through the magic of Live Betting Extra.

Thompson was always confident to be able to play, and his presence, if he is close to 100%, certainly adds to some of the matchup advantages Golden State can have in this series. Ii is a foregone conclusion that whoever has to guard him is going to be at a height disadvantage (except LeBron James). Remember that Thompson is 6-foot-7, which means that he is going to get his shot if he wants it. And what was pleasantly surprising for a lot of NBA betting observers is the fact that he did a very good job at times on Houston superstar James Harden. So Thompson is really no slouch on the defensive side either.

The player in Cleveland’s starting lineup who will probably have most of the responsibilities regarding Thompson is Iman Shumpert, who is one of the more capable defenders the Cavaliers have. He did a pretty good job on Kyle Korver as the Cavaliers beat Atlanta in the East finals; let’s put it this way – Korver, who shot for a better percentage from three-point territory that anyone in the NBA (49%), was really no factor from downtown (he eventually got hurt and had to sit out).

Thompson is a little more of a challenge for Shumpert then Korver, in the respect that he is not just a spot-up shooter, but can move around with the ball a little better. Not that he is someone who was going to drive and attack the basket, but he can get his own shot a little bit better.

BetAnySports customers might be asking themselves how much the defensive assignment is going to take out of Thompson. After all, there could be times when you will have to take care of Lebron James. But this is where Golden State coach Steve Kerr can count on flexibility to help them out. One thing pro basketball bettors have to remember is that the Warriors have a number of players who are similar to Lebron’s dimensions, so mixing and matching players to guard him, or double him, can take pressure off people like Thompson. Of course, we are referring to people like Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala, who are both around 6-foot-7. If Thompson is free to do what he does best, the trouble he creates is that you can’t give as much attention to Steph Curry at the other guard position. That’s a puzzle Cleveland will find tough to solve.

BetAnySports should be your center for pro basketball betting action during the NBA Finals, with all the wagering options that are available. Remember that you can get reduced juice, as well as the opportunity to bet while the game is in progress with Live Betting Extra… Make your deposits with your Visa card or Bitcoin, and enjoy the fastest payouts in the industry!

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