The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers finally get the NBA Finals 2015 underway with the two teams just four wins away from a championship.
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland.
When: Friday June 5, 02:00 (UK time)
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
With both the Warriors and Cavs winning comfortably in their respective Conference Finals match-ups, it has been quite a wait to get the season finale started with the league opting not to bring the dates forward.
However, the wait is now over and Golden State will host their rivals on Thursday night hoping to protect home court and get off to a strong start in order to live up to their tag as championship favourites.
While Stephen Curry will undoubtedly be raring to go, Klay Thompson has been given the all-clear to play after passing all concussion protocols. The shooting guard took a hit to the head against the Houston Rockets which put him in doubt for this encounter, but he will take his place in the back-court and hope to have a significant impact.
Meanwhile, the Cavs are struggling with injury woes of their own as Kyrie Irving is still not 100 percent. The talented point guard insisted that he will play through the pain as he continues to struggle with knee tendinitis, but it remains to be seen how influential he can be.
If he is unable to move as freely as usual, it could spell trouble for Cleveland particularly on the defensive end with Curry and Thompson buzzing around and creating space for themselves.
However, even with Kevin Love out and Irving struggling, LeBron James has been on a mission to take his team all the way and he won’t be planning on slowing down in the Bay Area.
The two-time champion is averaging 27.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists in the playoffs, and he will be a huge factor in causing an immediate upset if the Warriors can’t at least limit him.
Prediction: Warriors win. Golden State have the backing of the Oracle and have the deeper roster to take advantage of the match-ups and pick up a victory. The Cavs will make adjustments and have a better chance in Game 2, but this is 1-0 Warriors written all over it.
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