Golden State Warriors at Boston Celtics Betting Preview/Prop Picks

We're heading into Game 4 of the NBA Finals tonight as the Warriors face the Celtics. At the moment, the Warriors are down 2-1 in the series and look to even the score.

In Game 3, Stephen Curry of the Warriors suffered a slight injury. He's listed as day-to-day at the moment, but who knows how badly he's affected. More importantly, how it will affect the Warriors.

The Boston Celtics are likely feeling pretty good with leading the series 2-1. However, they can't afford to take their foot off the gas now. The Celtics have played great defense during the playoffs, and they'll need more today.

Stephen Curry isn't the only player on the Warriors that can score a lot of points. So, between these two teams, who's the best bet on Friday night?

Golden State Warriors: Who will step up for Curry tonight?

If you remember, earlier in the playoffs, one player from the Warriors really stood out. This player was Jordan Poole, who led his team to a few victories against the Grizzlies.

Tonight, as they face the Celtics, we'd like to see more from Poole. We'd also like to see more production from Klay Thompson. Thompson put up a solid 25 points in Game 3, but they'll need more.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Warriors have to stop Jayson Tatum. If they don't, Tatum will go for over 30 points tonight. In Game 3, Tatum put up 26 points but shot 9 for 23 from the field.

They need to force poor scoring opportunities and make him take low-percentage shots. If they can derail Tatum, they can take down the Boston Celtics even without a full-strength Curry.

Boston Celtics: Defense is the way for the Celtics to win

Playing tough defense against the Warriors is something every team wants to do. However, the Celtics seem to be the only team in the playoffs to do it successfully.

Through the first three games, the Celtics have allowed just 105 points per game. Considering the Warriors' average is 111.0, cutting them down to 105 is pretty great. Tonight, they'll need another strong output.

The Warriors are going to bring everything they've got at the Celtics tonight. Boston can't force themselves into a shooting battle with the Warriors.

What they need to do is stick to their strengths, interior scoring, and strong defense. Although they've only averaged 108 points per game in this series, they've done enough to win. So, who's the best bet on Friday night?

Golden State Warriors at Boston Celtics Betting Pick

This is a tough game to choose between, especially with Boston having the lead. The Celtics are also at home, giving them another distinct advantage.

However, we believe that the Warriors will come out with a lot of energy today. They know how important this game is, and Stephen Curry has been cleared to play. Even if it's in a limited capacity, he'll help his team win.

The Warriors also come in as 4.5-point underdogs tonight. With the number of points and it being the Warriors, we'll go with Golden State.

Steve Kerr likely has a plan to create more scoring opportunities, so, Golden State +4.5 it is. We'll take the under here since each team has had trouble putting up a lot of points.

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Golden State Warriors +4.5, UNDER

Prop Picks

Boston (-115) UNDER 108.5

Golden State is allowing 105.5 points per game on defense, which ranks No. 3 in the league, while holding opposing teams to 43.8 percent shooting from the field, which ranks No. 2. Scores have gone UNDER in six of the Warriors’ last eight games following a loss.

With Dunkel predicting a Golden State victory by the score of 110-100, take the Celtics (-115) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 108.5 runs against the Warriors.

Marcus Smart (-115) UNDER 14.5 Points

Smart averaged 12.1 points per game in 71 games during the regular season, which ranked No. 4 on the Celtics. That average remained fairly steady at 12.4 points per game at home and 13.4 points per game in Boston losses.

With Dunkel predicting a Warriors’ road win, take Smart (-115) to finish UNDER his Vegas total of 14.5 points versus Golden State.

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All Media on this page by Associated Press.