Golden State Warriors open as 2-1 favorite for NBA Finals

By definition, it’s a rematch. LeBron James is getting another shot at the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, and revenge will be on his mind.

This time, however, it’s a much different matchup. When the Cleveland Cavaliers went down in six games a year ago, stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were sidelined with injuries. James now has a fully loaded supporting cast, yet he’s still playing the underdog role.

Golden State opened as a 2-1 favorite in the Finals, with the series price on Cleveland at plus-175.

“I like Cleveland to win it,” Westgate sports book manager Jeff Sherman said. “So many factors go into it. Golden State has had tough series against Portland and Oklahoma City. The Cavs have had plenty of time to rest, they have a loaded arsenal with Irving and Love this time, and there’s the motivational factor of losing last year.”

Down and close to being counted out, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson got hot, and the Warriors overcame a 3-1 series deficit to knock out Oklahoma City in the Western Conference finals. The Cavaliers posted a 12-2 record in the East playoffs.

The Warriors opened as 5½-point home favorites in Game 1 on Thursday. The total is 210.

Exact series result odds posted at the Westgate:

Golden State in 4 = 10-1

Golden State in 5 = 13-4

Golden State in 6 = 9-2

Golden State in 7 = 3-1

Cleveland in 4 = 20-1

Cleveland in 5 = 12-1

Cleveland in 6 = 9-2

Cleveland in 7 = 8-1

Contact sports betting reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow on Twitter: @mattyoumans247