The Boston Celtics versus Golden State Warriors Game 1 predictions for the 2022 NBA Finals are here. The encounter is the first of both teams in the NBA Finals since their last meeting in the 1963-1964 season. The clash had Bill Russell squaring off with Wilt Chamberlain. Consequently, Boston won at 4-1 in their best of seven series.
Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors Game 1 Predictions
Boston’s Path
Boston held their ground in the earlier playoff rounds. Firstly, the Celtics overwhelmed Kevin Durant and Brooklyn, sweeping the Nets in the first round. Secondly, they beat Giannis Antetukuonmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in Game 7. And lastly, they just came off a seven-game Eastern Conference Finals series over Jimmy Butler and the top-seeded Miami Heat.
Experts Predict a Warriors’ Win over the Celtics in Game 1
Golden State is 9-0 at Chase Center in the playoffs and is the favorite to win Game 1 on Thursday. The Dubs delivered starring performances on their local turf. Accordingly, the Warriors dominated the homecourt.
Prized point guard Stephen Curry is no stranger to the NBA Finals. In his 28 Finals games, Curry averages 26.5 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. As a matter of fact, the Warriors are on their sixth NBA Finals appearance in the last eight years.
Boston will have a hard time defending Curry’s aggression; for instance, he has been held below 20 points just seven times in his Finals career. His past Game 1 contribution in the finals is 27.5 points per game. Additionally, Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins are the ever-present snipers around the perimeter. The trio will add to the woes of Boston in their defensive thrust of containing these deadly shooters.
How the Celtics can beat the Warriors
While the Warriors continue to play well at home, the Celtics have been one of the best road teams to beat in the postseason. That is to say that their lone loss in Game 1 against the Heat (107-118) resulted in playing without Al Horford and Marcus Smart.
Celtics Defense: One of the Best in the NBA
The Celtics’ defense is one of the best in NBA history and could be the basis of the Celtics vs Warriors Game 1 Predictions. The Celtics’ switching has the concept to counter the Dubs’ off-ball movements, resulting in a suffocating defense. Not only will the defensive stratagem make Golden State shooters’ life difficult, but that is also to say, less production from the snipers. There is no team that can efficiently defend against the Warriors other than the Celtics.
Size Advantage for Boston Will Matter in Game 1
The Celtics have big men in Horford, Robert Williams III, and Daniel Theis. To counter this line-up, The Warriors will have to field Kevon Looney which will limit the Dubs’ offensive rotation. Consequently, Boston will have the key to dominating the glass as they can very well deliver defensive alignments on the court. The size advantage will make a huge difference in the series.
Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors Game 1 Prediction
The NBA Pick for this Game is the Boston Celtics -2.5. Warriors forward Otto Porter Jr. (foot), guard Gary Payton II (elbow), and SF Andre Iguodala (neck) are not sure to suit up for Golden State. The Celtics’ size advantage will be a problem for the Dubs. This is to say that Boston will have their way on the defense and offensive sides of the court. Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart will continue to bring in baskets for the team. Boston has the opportunity to grab Game 1 on the road. Final Score Prediction, Boston Celtics win 108-103.
Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals Finals Starting Time: 9:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 2, 2022.
