The 2022 NBA Finals are here! Game 1 of the Finals tips off Thursday night in San Francisco between the Celtics and Warriors. The Golden State Warriors reach the NBA Finals for the sixth time in eight years. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics make their first appearance since the 2010 season. This series is going to be a battle of an experienced team versus a team that has zero players with NBA Finals experience. Here are the betting odds, picks, and a few DraftKings Showdown lineup options to consider for Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals.
EXCLUSIVE SGPN NBA FINALS CONTENT
2022 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Warriors Game 1 – Odds & Picks
Celtics vs. Warriors Game 1 – Odds
Game 1: Thursday, 9:00 pm EST, ABC
Moneyline: Celtics (+135) | Warriors (-165)
Spread: Warriors -3.5
Total: 212
NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Warriors Game 1 – Picks
NBA Picks: Warriors (-3.5)
The Golden State Warriors have had a full week off since their series-clinching win against the Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics wrapped up a grueling seven-game series against the Miami Heat on Sunday. Teams that are coming off a Game 7 in their previous series are 32-51 (38.5) against the spread and 36-47 (43%) straight up in Game 1 of the following series.
Furthermore, the Golden State Warriors are a perfect 9-0 straight up and 7-2 against the spread in their home games in this postseason. Additionally, the Warriors are averaging 118 points per game. In Game 1, I do like the Warriors to cover the spread and get the victory over the Boston Celtics.
Another bet I will be betting for this game will be the Warriors Team Total Over 107. As I mentioned above, the Warriors are averaging 118 points per game at home in the postseason. The Warriors have gone over this projection in seven of the nine postseason home games. Additionally, the Warriors have gone over this projection in all three Game 1’s so far. I expect Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals to be more free-flowing as the teams get a feel for each other.
2022 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Warriors Game 7 – DraftKings NBA Showdown
NBA DraftKings DFS Showdown – Players to Target
Klay Thompson (GSW – SG/SF) – $7,800 ($11,700 CPT)
The Celtics will be focused on trying to contain and slow down Stephen Curry in this series. I believe this should open the door for Klay, especially in Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals. In Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks, Klay scored 32 points for the Warriors and knocked down eight 3-pointers in the game. In fact, at home in the postseason, Thompson is averaging 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
Al Horford (BOS – PF/C) – $7,600 ($11,400 CPT)
On paper, the Boston Celtics look to have the advantage over the Golden State Warriors in the paint. We don’t know how healthy Robert Williams will be after being limited to only 15 minutes in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I believe Horford will get the bulk of the minutes in the frontcourt for the Celtics. There are going to be opportunities for Horford to get double-doubles in this series. Furthermore, Horford has been getting blocks on the opposition as well. Horford will be key, especially on the road in Game 1.
Andrew Wiggins (GSW – SF/PF) – $7,200 ($10,800 CPT)
There is a legitimate argument that Andrew Wiggins could be the second-best player in the postseason thus far on the Warriors roster. Wiggins has been getting it done on both ends of the court for the Warriors. In fact, Wiggins is averaging 15.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Wiggins has also racked up steals and blocks. Wiggins has been tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player and has done a great job thus far. I like the value here for Wiggins at $7,200.
