The 2022 NBA Finals tip off Thursday, June 2, at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, so we have prepared the best Celtics vs. Warriors betting pick and odds along with the latest team stats and news. 

According to Bookmaker Sportsbook, the Warriors are 3.5-point favorites for the opening clash on the home court. The Celtics are listed as +145 moneyline underdogs with a total of 212.5 points. Boston and Golden State split their two-game regular-season series, as each team emerged victorious away from home.  

The Celtics aim for their first championship since 2008   

After sweeping the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, the Boston Celtics had to play a couple of seven-game series, eliminating the reigning champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Miami Heat in the process. 

Last Sunday, the Celtics outlasted the Heat 100-96 as 3-point road favorites to clinch their spot in the 2022 NBA Finals. Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston with 26 points, ten rebounds, six assists, and a pair of blocks, while Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown accounted for 24 points apiece. 

Tatum is averaging 27.0 points per game in the postseason, while Brown is adding 22.9 points a night. Smart has struggled with injuries over the last two weeks, but he should be ready to go Thursday at Chase Center. 

The Celtics have gone 12-6 SU and ATS through their first 18 outings in the 2022 playoffs. They’ve scored 111.8 points per 100 possessions and surrendered 105.1 in a return. 

The Warriors shoot for their fourth title in eight years         

The Golden State Warriors returned to the NBA Finals after missing the playoffs over the last couple of years. Back in 2019, the Dubs lost to the Toronto Raptors and failed to win their third consecutive championship. 

This time around, the Warriors beat the injury-depleted Denver Nuggets in five games in the first round. They needed six games to eliminate the Morant-less Grizzlies in the second round, while the Western Conference Finals saw Golden State defeats Dallas in five games. 

Stephen Curry leads the way for the Warriors this postseason, posting 25.9 points and 6.2 assists a night. Klay Thompson is tallying 19.8 points per game, while Jordan Poole is adding 18.4 points and 4.5 assists per contest. Andrew Wiggins, who played terrific defense on Luka Doncic in the conference finals, is averaging 15.8 points and 7.0 rebounds. 

The Warriors have gone 12-4 SU and 9-7 ATS over their previous 16 showings in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. They’ve scored 116.1 points per 100 possessions and yielded 111.0 in a return. Gary Payton II (elbow), Otto Porter (foot), and Andre Iguodala (neck) all practiced on Monday and could return to the action Wednesday against the Celtics. 

Trends:

Boston:

  • N/A 

Golden State:

  • 5-1 ATS in the last six games overall  
  • 10-2 ATS in the last 12 games at home 

Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors Pick 

The Celtics could struggle with fatigue after a couple of exhausting series. On the other side, the Warriors had a much easier task, so I’m backing the hosts to win and cover. Both teams are capable of playing tough defense, and I’m expecting the Warriors’ fresh offense to make the difference. 

We should see an interesting series between a couple of teams that match up with each other well. The Warriors looked unstoppable at home in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, and the home teams are 4-1 ATS in the last five NBA Finals openers. 

Pick: Take Golden State Warriors -3.5 at -110   

The Total:

The Celtics have averaged 95.9 possessions per 48 minutes throughout the postseason, while the Warriors have recorded 98.4. Golden State will try to push the pace in this matchup, and Boston has to slow down things as much as possible. 

The under is 11-2 in the previous 13 encounters between the Celtics and Warriors. I would ride this betting trend Thursday, looking for the Celtics to slow down the pace and force the Warriors to play their best defense. 

Pick: Go under 212.5 points at -110