Prizing:

1st Place: $50 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card

Overview:

On Sunday, December 25th, the (25-4) Golden State Warriors will be on the road to take on the (21-6) Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Crowd:  

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Warriors 106.5 – Cavaliers 104.6 with an over/under of 211.1.

Statistics (2016-17 season):

Point differential: Warriors +13.5 (1^st) > Cavaliers +7.8 (4^th)

Points per game: Warriors 117.4 (1^st) > Cavaliers 110.6 (4^th)

Points allowed per game: Cavaliers 102.8 (tied for 11^th) > Warriors 103.9 (tied for 15^th)

Field Goal Percentage Offense: Warriors 49.6% (1^st) > Cavaliers 46.3% (8^th)

Field Goal Percentage Defense: Warriors 42.9% (3^rd) > Cavaliers 44.4% (9^th)

Three Point Percentage: Cavaliers 40.7% (1^st) > Warriors 38.1% (5^th)

Turnovers committed per game: Cavaliers 13.0 (tied for 12^th) > Warriors 14.5 (tied for 21^st)

Turnovers forced per game: Warriors 14.4 (8^th) > Cavaliers 12.7 (tied for 22^nd)

Rebounds per game: Warriors 45.3 (6^th) > Cavaliers 44.1 (tied for 15^th)

Assists per game: Warriors 31.3 (1^st) > Cavaliers 22.6 (11^th)

Summary:

Golden State is (9-1) in their last ten games while Cleveland is (8-2).  The Cavaliers are (14-2) at home this year whereas the Warriors are (13-2) on the road.  Cleveland is in a roster bind with the injuries to Chris Anderson, J.R. Smith, and the now retired Mo Williams.  The Cavaliers will surely miss Smith’s ability to spread the floor and create for others.  Kevin Love is having his most efficient season yet but he too has been a bit banged up.  The Warriors are clicking on all cylinders and will surely seek revenge after last year’s historic comeback by the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

The addition of Kevin Durant has made Golden State an offensive juggernaut and improved their overall efficiency.  Most people will be shocked to learn that Golden State ranks among the league leaders in blocked shots despite not having a true “rim protector” at center.  Without Smith, I don’t see how Cleveland scores enough points to keep up with Golden State, who averages nearly seven points a game more than the Cavaliers.  I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends up being a Golden State blowout but it might be a different story if the Finals rematch comes to fruition.

**LISTEN HERE** to the latest edition of “The Berger Shop” podcast, sponsored by The Crowd’s Line.  This week’s episode features an in-depth discussion about the return of Tiger Woods with golf pro Jason Birnbaum.

Note:

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