3 Best Prop Bets for Cavaliers vs. Warriors (Darius Garland, Klay Thompson Predictions)
By Peter Dewey
Klay Thompson will make his return to the Golden State Warriors’ lineup for the first time in 941 days against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.
WynnBET Sportsbook has the Warriors as an 8.5-point favorite in this game, but with two of the best teams against the spread facing off, here are some prop bets that I’m looking at in this matchup:
Best Prop Bets for Cavaliers vs. Warriors
- Darius Garland OVER 19.5 Points (-125)
- Cleveland Cavaliers First Half +4.5 (-110)
- Klay Thompson OVER 11.5 Points (-125)
Darius Garland OVER 19.5 Points (-125)
Darius Garland has been an All-Star caliber player for the Cavaliers this season, and he’s been dominant as of late even though he missed time in the league’s health and safety protocols.
Garland has scored 21 or more points in six straight games, and even though he’s facing the Warriors’ No. 1 defense, I think Garland will continue to play a big role offensively.
With Ricky Rubio out for the season with a torn ACL, Garland has put up 43 shots over his last two games and is averaging 26.5 points per game.
I love the over on this prop for him to just get 20 against Golden State.
Cleveland Cavaliers First Half +4.5 (-110)
The Cavaliers have been one of the best first half teams in the NBA this season, going 28-11 ATS in the first half this season.
The Warriors haven’t been great in the same spot, going 15-21-2 ATS in the first half this season. We may be getting some value on this with Thompson returning and the Warriors getting a little extra love.
Klay Thompson OVER 11.5 Points (-125)
Yes, Klay Thompson averages 19.5 points per game for his career, but he’s going to be on a minutes limit tonight and we don’t know how he will respond after 941 days away from game action.
Steve Kerr said “my guess” is Klay Thompson will play around 15-20 minutes in his return and “there’s a good chance” they’ll rest him on one side of back-to-backs as he gets back into the flow.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 5, 2022
Still, I think the Warriors will try to get Klay going in front of the home crowd, and we know he has the ability to heat up in a hurry.
I’m hoping that Klay looks like his old self in his return, especially considering all he’s been through, so why not back him in this prop too?