Game 5: Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors prediction, odds, TV channel
The Boston Celtics have not lost two in a row, with a fully healthy lineup in uniform, since January. In order for all momentum not to be completely lost, Ime Udoka has to find a way to keep that streak going.
If he does for the next three games, he’ll be able to say he led the Cs to an NBA Championship during his first season as head coach.
Boston fell apart at the seams during the closing moments of the Warriors’ series-tying victory Friday night, being outscored 17-3 in the final five minutes on their home floor. As my co-editor Mark Nilon pointed out, the shooting numbers, ball security, and defensive discipline were all gruesome:
"“The shamrocks shot a putrid 1-of-8 from the field and 1-of-7 from deep in this duration of time and went on to take one attempt from the floor (a miss by Derrick White) while coughing up a turnover and committing three fouls (one of which was in the form of an and-one shooting foul on Curry) in the final minute of action alone.”"
If that malaise seeps into Game 5, the Celtics could be in an unenviable position with their backs against the wall at the T.D. Garden this coming Thursday. On the flipside, that contest could be a potential home-court coronation waiting to happen if Udoka could lead his team to making the necessary adjustments.
Hardwood Houdini has the odds and lays out a prediction for Game 5 (live on ABC at 9 P.M. EST) at the Chase Center:
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBet, the Celtics are a 3.5-point underdog against the Warriors on the road. Golden State is a favorite at home at -170, with the Cs moneyline set at +140. The over/under for the game has been placed at 212.5 points.
Celtics vs. Warriors pick
The Houdini was hopeful for a 3-1 series lead on the team that made blowing such a lead famous. Instead, losing two in a row feels all too possible following a fourth-quarter collapse that could go down in infamy.
These Cs don’t fold when the going gets tough, though. This could be the last time in 2021-22 you can catch Boston at plus-money. We’re not passing up that chance.