Celtics vs. Warriors NBA Finals Game 1 Betting: Golden State to Take 1-0 Lead

After several long and gruelling months, the 2021-22 NBA Finals are finally set to begin. This year’s championship series will be played between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors, with Game 1 slated for Thursday, June 2.

It’s a series that should entertain fans as both teams have plenty of star power. The Celtics and Warriors also split their regular-season series with a victory apiece, adding to the idea that this is a fairly even matchup.

Winning Game 1 will be crucial for either organization’s NBA Championship aspirations. Keeping that in mind, here’s a look at the latest betting odds and best bets ahead of Thursday’s Celtics vs. Warriors tilt.

Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors Game 1 Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: #2 Boston Celtics vs. #3 Golden State Warriors
• Venue & Location: Chase Center (San Francisco, CA)
• Date: Thursday, June 2, 2022
• Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Time
• How to Watch Thursday’s Celtics vs. Warriors Game 1: ABC

Celtics vs. Warriors Game 1 Current Odds (Thursday, June 2)

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline

• Spread: Boston Celtics +4 (-112), Golden State Warriors -4 (-108)
• Over/Under: OVER 213.5 (-110), UNDER 213.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Boston Celtics +144, Golden State Warriors -172

Bovada Sportsbook

• Spread: Boston Celtics +3.5 (-110), Golden State Warriors -3.5 (-110)
• Over/Under: OVER 213.5 (-110), UNDER 213.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Boston Celtics +145, Golden State Warriors -170

BetUS

• Spread: Boston Celtics +3.5 (-109), Golden State Warriors -3.5 (-112)
• Over/Under: OVER 213 (-113), UNDER 213 (-108)
• Moneyline: Boston Celtics +138, Golden State Warriors -165

Celtics vs. Warriors Game 2 Early Odds (Wednesday, June 1)

BetOnline

• Spread: Boston Celtics +4 (-110), Golden State Warriors -4 (-110)
• Over/Under: OVER 212.5 (-110), UNDER 212.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Boston Celtics +142, Golden State Warriors -168

Bovada Sportsbook

• Spread: Boston Celtics +3.5 (-110), Golden State Warriors -3.5 (-110)
• Over/Under: OVER 212.5 (-110), UNDER 212.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Boston Celtics +140, Golden State Warriors -160

BetUS

• Spread: Boston Celtics +3.5 (-114), Golden State Warriors -3.5 (-108)
• Over/Under: OVER 212.5 (-110), UNDER 212.5 (-112)
• Moneyline: Boston Celtics +133, Golden State Warriors -159

Celtics’ Stars Can’t Afford to Disappear

There are high expectations for the Celtics as they make their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade.

They’ve been, arguably, the best team since the second half of the 2021-22 campaign began, but this Warriors team should still give them trouble — especially with the way that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson can perform on any given night.

If the Celtics want to win the seven-game series against an experienced Warriors squad, Boston’s star players can’t afford to disappear at all in Game 1.

All eyes will be on Jayson Tatum, who’s been his team’s best player this postseason. The 24-year-old is averaging 27.0 points on .446/.375/.833 shooting splits and has scored 29-plus points in 10-of-18 playoff games.

Tatum won’t be able to get things done on his own. Jaylen Brown also needs to remain consistent to get the job done. He’s scored at least 24 points in five of his last seven games while also contributing with 1.2 steals per game.

Brown and Tatum form one of the most formidable duos in the league, even if they don’t have the championship resumé that the Splash Bros. have. A strong Game 1 start from Boston’s top-two stars offers the team its best shot at victory.

The Celtics have also been dealing with injuries to key players Marcus Smart and Robert Williams. Fortunately, Smart appears to be good to go as a swollen ankle won’t keep him out. Meanwhile, Williams is questionable for Thursday and likely day-to-day for the remainder of the NBA Playoffs.

Warriors Must Lean on Postseason Experience

When the Warriors lost to the Toronto Raptors in the 2018-19 NBA Finals, many assumed that was the end of Golden State’s dynasty.

Instead, the Warriors took the last two years to let their stars heal and retool the supporting cast, resulting in them becoming a championship-caliber team once again.

If Golden State is to overcome Boston, one way of doing so would be to lean on the postseason experience that brought them to five straight NBA Finals from 2015 to 2019.

It’s no secret that Stephen Curry was a part of those teams and he’s no doubt hungry to win his first-ever Finals MVP trophy. He’s pacing the Warriors with 25.9 points while adding 6.2 assists per game and 3.8 threes on 38.0% shooting in the playoffs.

Klay Thompson also brings his three championship rings to the table. He’s been hit-or-miss at times during the postseason, but a 32-point performance with eight three-pointers made in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals has fans thinking that his old self could be back.

Dubs. Celtics. pic.twitter.com/t2v2KiAluU

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 30, 2022

This will be Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins’ first NBA Finals appearance, but they can’t let the spotlight get to them. Both players are the Warriors’ third- and fourth-best scorers, respectively, and must step up when the Celtics inevitably up the pressure on Curry and Thompson.

Golden State will also heavily lean on Draymond Green and his experience to lead the defense. He can guard any position in the lineup and must be ready for any assignment that head coach Steve Kerr throws his way.

The Warriors also might be getting a boost in the form of Gary Payton II. He’s been sidelined with an elbow injury since May 3 but could return to the lineup any day now. Otto Porter Jr. (foot) is also questionable.

Celtics vs. Warriors Game 1 Prediction and Best Bets

Prediction and best bets are from Wednesday, June 1.

Prediction: Warriors 106, Celtics 103

Best Bets: Celtics +4 (-110 at BetOnline Sportsbook) and Under 212.5 (-110 at Bovada Sportsbook)

Playing at the Chase Center is always tough for visiting teams, which is why I like the Warriors to open the series with a 1-0 lead. Golden State has more NBA Finals experience, which will play a critical role over the next few weeks.

As for the best bet, I’m taking the total to hit under 212.5 points. Both teams have great offenses, but they also boast extremely talented defenses. The total has also hit the under in 11 of the last 13 Celtics vs. Warriors matchups, including as well as each of the last seven played in California.

Other NBA Finals Stories on Betting News

• Celtics vs. Warriors Prop Bets for NBA Finals Game 1