Cavaliers Know Game 3 is a “Must Win” against Warriors

On Wednesday, Game 3 of the NBA Finals best of seven series tips off when the Golden State Warriors visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors lead the series 2-0 after winning two straight at home. The current line has Golden State favored by 3.5 points with the over/under point total on 226.

Cleveland was not much competition for Golden State in Games 1 and 2 but look to use the advantage of being at home to narrow the Warriors lead to one game. Last season the Cavaliers were down 3-1 in the series and rallied to win the title so they know anything is possible.

Golden State won the first two games of the series by a 20.5-point average but knows the Cavaliers can rally from adversity to win the series thanks to the talent of players such as LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.

Irving knows that the Cavaliers can rally but is aware how important Game 3 is for the team. If Cleveland wins Game 3 the series is 2-1, but a loss would put their back to the wall down 3-0 and the team would have to win 4 straight to win the NBA title.

Golden State has won 14 straight games during the postseason. Kevin Durant, an offseason free agent signing for the Warriors, has made this team even harder to defeat. Durant is averaging 35 points, 11 boards and 7 assists over the first two games of the Finals.

Stephen Curry has also played very well thus far in the series. The Warriors point guard has averaged 30 points, 10 assists and 8 boards in the first two games of the series.

What is even scarier for Cleveland is Golden State’s third leading scorer, Klay Thompson appears to have broken out of his slump during the postseason after scoring 22 in Game 2.

Cleveland has played poorly during the third quarter of both losses during the series and must try to keep pace after the half if they have any hope of winning a second straight title.

James scored 29 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and handed out 11 assists in the Game 2 loss on Sunday for Cleveland.

Golden State is 11-0 against the spread in its last 11 games on the road.

Cleveland is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games played at home.

Prediction: Cleveland’s back is against the wall here. The Cavs will come out fighting. Lean here toward Cleveland to cover.