The Cleveland Cavaliers are on a run of 26-2 straight up and 17-11 against the spread in their last 28 games at home. After tying up the series at 1-1 on the road, Cleveland will try to take control of the series at home against the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 on Tuesday night at Quicken Loans Arena.
NBA Finals betting: Warriors vs. Cavaliers Game 3 odds, stats
The Cleveland Cavaliers return home to host the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the NBA Finals after winning Game 2 as underdogs in OT.
Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland had moved to a 1-point home underdog for the game at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com as of Monday night. If that line holds it will be only the fourth time this season that the Cavaliers are a home underdog, and the team went 0-3 SU and ATS in the other three instances.
When Kyrie Irving went down with a season-ending knee injury in Game 1, most fans and experts were ruling the Cleveland Cavaliers out for the remainder of the series. However, the Cavs had other plans, playing outstanding defense in Game 2 to force overtime and come away with a 95-93 upset win as a 7.5-point road underdog.
LeBron James had 39 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists in Cleveland's unexpected win. The Cavaliers are 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five games as an underdog this postseason according to the OddsShark NBA Database.
Stephen Curry couldn't find any traction from the floor all game long in Game 2, going just 5-for-23 shooting including an ugly 2-for-15 mark from behind the arc. Klay Thompson's 34-point effort went to waste as the rest of the team couldn't find any rhythm on offense.
Bettors must now decide whether the team's shooting struggles were a result of Cleveland's tough defensive play or just an off night for the Warriors, with the answer likely lying somewhere in the middle. Golden State is 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS in seven road playoff games this year.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between Golden State and Cleveland. Tuesday night's total for the Warriors vs. Cavaliers betting matchup has been set at 195 points at the sportsbooks.
Golden State's loss in Game 2 swings home court advantage into Cleveland's favor in this best-of-seven series. All eyes will be on Curry in Game 3 as he looks to bounce back from an awful performance in Game 2 to get the Warriors back on track.
