Golden State Warriors Try To Bounce Back And Even Series

We learned several things during Golden State’s 123-109 Game Three loss to the Toronto Raptors. One: Steph Curry is as good as anyone that has stepped onto a NBA court. With Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant sidelined he did everything possible to keep his team competitive to the tune of 47 points 7 assists 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Two: Even when Curry pours in almost 50 points the Warriors can’t just ‘flip the switch’ without Thompson and/or Durant.

Golden State’s loss moved them into a veritable dead heat with the New York Knicks for the biggest money loser in NBA basketball betting on a per unit basis. The Knicks lost their financial backers -18.7 units on the year. Heading into Game Four, the Warriors have lost -18.6 units on the year. Obviously, there’s a world of difference in how the teams went about burning through bankrolls. The Knicks were 17-65 SU/33-47-2 ATS. That’s a 20.7% SU winning clip and a 41.2 ATS percentage. The Warriors are 70-31 SU/43-56-2 ATS. That’s a 69.3% SU winning percentage and a 42.5% ATS clip. If you needed any validation that Golden State is the biggest ‘public’ team in pro basketball and grossly overpriced relative to the pointspread there it is. This isn’t meant to disparage the Warriors–they’re a very good team. It is meant to underscore the importance of proper valuation of teams both straight up and against the spread.

From a SU standpoint, NBA teams in Golden State’s situation that head into Game 4 on their home court down 2-1 win that game 54% of the time. Of course, as we just discussed the salient component of the handicap is Golden State’s dismal record against the number. There is some good news on the horizon–several media reports are suggesting that Kevin Durant could return as soon as Game 4. Separate reports have also indicated that Klay Thompson is also likely to return. For this reason alone, you’re likely well advised to wait to play this game if you’re looking to take Toronto plus the points. Once word comes that either Durant and/or Thompson will return for Game 4 there’s a good chance the line goes up to reflect that. It’s already a point higher than it was for Game 3 due to Golden State’s ‘must win’ situation.

Golden State has played well with their back against the wall throughout their run of the past five or so years. They might end up winning their third straight NBA title and fourth in five years. Our concern, however, is with the NBA basketball betting odds and given the Warriors’ dismal ATS performance there’s just no way to make a case for laying the lumber.

BET TORONTO RAPTORS +5.5 OVER GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

For up to the minute NBA playoff betting odds and props, follow BetOnline.ag on Twitter!