Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics Game 3 prediction, odds and best bet

Estimated read time 4 min read


The Warriors played a much more complete game in Game 2 and as a result head to Boston with the series tied 1-1. It is hard to know just what we have learned from the first two games of the series other than both teams are capable of beating the other.

I think one thing we have learned, though, is that the Celtics are a different team when big man Robert Williams is healthy protecting the paint. Just how much he can play may ultimately determine this series, even though he is far from the biggest star on either side. 

Game 2 saw a bounce back for Jayson Tatum in terms of scoring — 28 points — but he was -36 for the game, by far the worst on the team (nobody else was more than -17). Game 2 also saw the expected return to earth of Al Horford, who scored just two points and did not even take a three-point shot after making so many big ones in the series-opening win. 

Golden State won with ease even though Klay Thompson struggled all game with his shot. Conversely, reserve Jordan Poole found his, so the Warriors were able to extend the lead even when Steph Curry, who led all scorers with 29 points, needed a rest.

With the series shifting to Boston we now see the Celtics as favorites by more than a possession at home. They definitely need to find their game and being at home usually helps, especially for secondary players. 

Golden State is 20-28 ATS in all road games this season. Boston is under .500 ATS for the season at home, too.

Game Info

Golden State Warriors (1-1) vs. Boston Celtics (1-1)
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
9:00 p.m. ET
TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
ESPN

Betting Odds

Spread: Warriors +3.5 (-110), Celtics -3.5 (-110)
Total: 212.5
Moneyline: Warriors +135, Celtics -155

Best Bet

Golden State +3.5

The good old zig-zag theory says the Celtics are the play after getting whipped in the second half of Game 2. We are getting the first game of the series in Boston, but the Celtics have not exactly been dominant at home this season. 

They don’t need to be to get the win and cover, but I am leaning on the experience of the Warriors for this one. 

Golden State has been guilty of some duds when they have felt a little too comfortable in these playoffs, but that is not going to be the case for Game 3. The series is tied and there is already stuff brewing with the comments from Draymond Green after the last game. It should be crackling with the return of the Finals to Boston on Wednesday. 

The first couple of games have been won in the second half when one team or the other has made a surge and the other team was not able to match. In Game 3, I think we see the kind of tight game that many expected between two strong defensive teams in the Finals. 

In a game that is expected to be close, it is hard not to like the Warriors. Not only do they have the experience all over their roster, but they have players who are great at the free-throw line. Boston was below average during the season (17th) while the Warriors were second in the league at almost 82%. 

I like this game to come down to the final minutes where a key defensive stop and a Steph or Klay three-pointer are the difference, as we have seen so many times before over the last eight seasons. 

I am very tempted to go with the moneyline for the extra payoff, but as long as the Warriors are getting more than a possession, the visitors are a smart play against the spread.

Score Prediction:  Golden State 104 – Boston 101





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