After Stealing Game 5, Warriors’ NBA Championship Odds Listed at +237

• The Golden State Warriors won Game 5 of the NBA Finals 106-105
• The Warriors lost Kevin Durant to an apparent Achilles injury
• The Raptors are still heavily favored to win the NBA Finals

Game 5 of the NBA Finals was an emotional one as the Golden State Warriors eked out the win to survive, but also lost Kevin Durant in the process as well. They’re still an underdog to win the series, according to the NBA Championship odds, but are they worth a bet?

2019 NBA Championship Odds

*Odds taken 06/10/19

Warriors Win Game 5, Lose Durant

The Warriors came out in Game 5 as if they were shot out of a cannon. Durant had 11 points in the first quarter while going three-of-three from three-point land with a pair of free throws. They had 34 points, which tied for the most they’ve had in a quarter all series.

Then they lost Durant as he came up limping while trying a crossover and then grabbed his Achilles. From there, it was a fairly even game but the Warriors did just enough to win 106-105.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1nT2xN7cwo

The concern here is that the Warriors went 20-of-42 from beyond the arc – something that’s very uncharacteristic in this series – and they still only won by a point. The Raptors seized up with the championship right in front of them and that also helped Golden State. Even so, the Warriors won by the slimmest of margins. That has to be a concern.

Durant Injury Impacted Both Teams

Of course, the initial reaction was that the Durant injury would mostly hinder the Warriors, but it actually really took the air out of the building. It looked like it was the Raptors who really lost their rhythm. They had just five fast break points in the second half and they played a lot of isolation ball. They’ll need a better rhythm to close this out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bUsYNVM_Qc

Raptors Did Plenty Wrong, Still Nearly Won

The truth of the matter is that the Raptors have outplayed the Warriors through five games. Their defense was not as good in Game 5 as what we’ve seen the rest of this series, their three-point shooting was awful (eight-of-32) and they were careless with the basketball (13 turnovers). Also, Kawhi Leonard had his worst game of the series, shooting 9-of-24 from the field while committing five turnovers.

Kawhi Leonard had his worst game of the series, shooting 9-of-24 from the field while committing five turnovers.

Game 5 felt like the Warriors’ last stand. Against a more experienced team, they would have lost as they were trailing by six points with three minutes remaining, and the Raptors had possession and momentum. The Warriors rose up in an emotional effort, but if the Raptors get back to business in Game 6, this series should be over.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DFMN9JOhy0

I wouldn’t bet the Warriors in any scenario right now. I’m expecting the Raptors to win in six or seven – if necessary. They’ve been the better team this series and losing Durant is going to deflate the Warriors quite a bit. They’ve been fatigued and worn down in this series and this will hurt. Bet the Raptors on the series price.

Pick: Toronto Raptors (-290)