2 min read • June 08, 2022
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Both the Warriors and Celtics traded wins leaving the series tied heading into Boston. The Celtics have won 5 of 8 home games in the playoffs while the Warriors have won just three game away from home in 7 tries on their road to the Finals.
See below a visual interpretation of the two teams via our Court View
Golden State came into the playoffs with major heath questions as stars Stephen Curry (foot), Klay Thompson (ACL/Achilles recovery) and Draymond Green (back) had something ailing them. Now two games deep into the Finals, those said injuries have been forgotten with the trifecta playing great basketball and heavy minutes.
Curry is again leading his team in scoring at a 26.6 PPG clip on top on playing stellar defense averaging well over a steal a game. Thompson is surprising leading his team in minutes per game clocking just over 35 minutes which goes to show how far he has come after missing the last two seasons. Green missed 29 straight games in the regular season due to a disc issue in his back but has returned to play well, posting 6.3 assists per game to lead the team.
The SF position that was a problem spot last round is now plentiful with Gary Payton Jr. (elbow) and Otto Porter Jr. (foot) back in the fold with each playing their usually minutes. Old-timer Andre Iguodala missed Game 2 (knee) after returning from neck issue leaving his availability up in the air heading into Beantown.
The Celtics have dealt with key injuries throughout the playoffs including a shoulder issue that continues to bother stud forward Jayson Tatum. The All-NBA player is dealing with a stinger in his right shoulder that at times has flared up causing poor outings on the court. Tatum has averaged lust under 27 points a game but has yet to have a monster game or hold his stellar play for a full four quarters.
Two injuries that have effected the defensive side of the ball is that of DPOY Marcus Smart (ankle, foot) and elite rim-protector Robert Williams (knee). Smart has played five straight games since missing time during the Miami Heat series and has improved daily specifically on defense where he is needed the most.
The bigger worry of the two is Williams who will not reach 100% health this series due to the bone bruise and recovery from the torn meniscus. The block-master has hovered around the 25 minute mark all playoffs but posted just 14 minutes Game 2 in what showcased to be an ineffective performance. Look for more of the same as the series progresses.
Robert Williams U12.5 Points+Rebounds+Assists (-113 FanDuel) - The Celtics center hasn't looked himself all playoffs and this trend should continue, Williams has gone under the prop number in two of the last three games including scoring just two points last time out
Marcus Smart O1.5 Steals (+122 FanDuel) - The DPOY has gotten better on defense over the past few games as he recovers from an ankle sprain, will bring the intensity with it being the first Finals home game, has gone over the prop twice in the last three games
Otto Porter Jr. U5.5 Points (-124 FanDuel) - The former Chicago Bull played well in his return Game 1 after missing time due foot soreness, took a backseat with the return of Gary Payton II and this trend should continue here as the series will head towards a defensive style meaning more minutes for the defensive minded Payton II
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