Celtics vs. Warriors Game 1 NBA Finals Picks: Superstars Clash in Battle of Premier Franchises

Zachary Hanshew

Last Updated: June 2, 2022 6:07 AM EDT • 2 min 53 sec read. Twitter link Google News Link

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors attempts to rebound the ball against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 17, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Maddie Malhotra / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

After a grueling seven-game series against Miami, will the Boston Celtics have enough in the tank to take down Golden State on the road in Game 1 of the Finals? Here are our Celtics-Warriors picks.

After three years that included Kevin Durant's departure, major injuries to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, and landing the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Golden State is back in the finals. Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green will compete for a fourth NBA title in six appearances.

Boston is back in the finals after a 11-year drought, and none of the young guns on this squad have been to the big dance. The only starter who was in the league that long ago was big man Al Horford, who was in his second season. Horford's 141 playoff games without a finals appearance was an NBA record.

We've got an epic matchup between two of the league's best defenses, and superstars are in no short supply.

Here are my picks and predictions for Thursday's NBA matchup between the Celtics and Warriors (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on 1-to-5-star scale).

Celtics vs. Warriors Game Info

Date/Time: Thursday, June 2, 9 p.m. ETTV: ABCLocation: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

Celtics vs. Warriors Odds Analysis

The spread opened at Warriors -3.5 and hasn't moved. Golden State is the heavy favorite with 76% of the tickets and 77% of the handle on the Warriors. The point total opened at a modest 210.5 but has crept up two points to 212.5 where a majority of the action is on the Over with 73% of the tickets and 81% of the cash.

https://twitter.com/johnewing/status/1532384041474867200

Celtics vs. Warriors Picks

Warriors -3.5 (-110) ?????Over 212.5 (-110) ????Draymond Green Over 21.5 points + rebounds + assists (-125) ?????

Celtics vs. Warriors Predictions

Warriors -3.5 (-110)

The Warriors excel at Chase Center. They're 30-18-2 against the spread at home this season and 7-2 ATS at Chase Center in the playoffs. Boston has been equally potent ATS on the road, going 33-16-1 outside of TD Garden, 15-9-1 as the road dog, and 12-6-0 in the playoffs.

Boston played in Miami on Sunday night in a Game 7 that went down to the wire. The Celtics' last two series have gone the distance and, after Sunday's victory, the team had to fly across the country to San Francisco. Meanwhile, the Warriors' last game came Thursday at home. Golden State has a three-day rest advantage with none of the fatigue that comes from travel.

Boston has a chance to steal a win on the road, but it's not going to come in Game 1. The rest advantage coupled with home court make Golden State the clear choice, with an easy 3.5-point spread.

https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1531824994195582978

Over 212.5 (-110)

The Warriors have hit the Over in 10 of 16 playoff matchups including three of the last four. Golden State went 20-25-2 O/U this season as the home favorite. Boston is 8-10-0 in the playoffs and 14-10-1 as the road dog but the Over hit in four of seven matchups with Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals.

These are two of the best defenses in the NBA, but both teams have an array of quality scorers, and the total is far too low. The Celtics went 18-14-1 in 33 games with a total of 212.5 or lower, while Golden State went 4-5-0. Boston has averaged 107.1 points, while Golden State has put up 114.5. Golden State should take care of business and easily cover the spread in this one. The teams will still be feeling each other out in Game 1, and excitement and nerves should make this a faster-paced game than usual. Give me the Over.

Green Over 21.5 points + rebounds + assists (-125)

If there's one thing we can count on, it's Draymond Green delivering a well-rounded performance in the NBA Finals. Green has averaged 12.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 6.7 dimes across 27 career finals games. He's third all-time in finals triple-doubles with three, behind only LeBron James and Magic Johnson.

Green has hit the Over on this total in each of his last two games, four of his last six, and 22 of 27 finals games. He typically shines when the lights are brightest, and he’ll need to be at his best against a strong Celtics team that excels on both ends of the court.

Where to Bet on Celtics-Warriors Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

FanDuel Sportsbook Caesars Sportsbook DraftKings Sportsbook PointsBet BetMGM

SEE ALSO: All picks, odds, and sports betting news. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting too ls.

Celtics-Warriors picks made 6/1/2022 at 12:25 p.m. ET

Written By:
Zachary Hanshew

Zak is a lucky husband and blessed father of four. He’s been writing about sports since 2018 with prior stops at FantasyPros, RotoWire, and FantasyLabs. In addition to Sportsbook Review, you can find his work at NBC Sports Edge, Yahoo, and OwnersBox. When he’s not writing, Zak can be found playing the guitar, hanging out with his family, coaching his son’s basketball team, or laughing way too hard at old Simpsons episodes.