Golden State is back for Part 5. LeBron is not. If you thought the Lakers were relevant because of all of the sports shows they’ve dominated this week, you’re watching the wrong channel.
Canada is in the house as the NBA Finals become international. Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors try to bring a title to Toronto and keep the Warriors from their fourth championship in five years.
In the previous four Finals appearances, Golden State was a dominant pick to win, by margins of 43-9, 45-8, 41-8 and 43-0. One time the experts were very, very wrong. (Not us, though. 4-for-4 on Warriors Finals prognostications.) This year is no different, even if the opponent finally is. 43 out of 46 experts we found predict the Warriors to come out and play … to win. Never mind that almost half of these picks are from that “entertainment” network.
Let’s get to the picks.
Scoreboard Page: We want to pick the Raptors. (Must resist.) We love an underdog. (Can’t do it.) And everyone is on the Warriors, despite the Kevin Durant injury. (Can’t… hold… it… back – Raptors in 7!) There, we said it. (In parentheses.) Kawhi finds a way. Toronto is title town and the championship leaves the country for the first time. Shock the world, Raptors.
Here’s how the picks of experts at other media outlets broke down:
CBS Sports: Warriors 10, Raptors 0
Sports Illustrated: Warriors 7, Raptors 0
The Guardian: Warriors 3, Raptors 0
Click the links above for their full predictions.