NBA Finals: Frank knows where to put the smart money for Game 1, Warriors vs Raptors

Warriors (+1.5) @ Raptors (213)
Pick: Raptors -1 First Half

If you’re a Sixers fan, I don’t blame you for still being a little bitter over the team’s second round loss to Toronto. It’s not far-fetched to think this could be the Sixers going up against Golden State in the NBA Finals. But, it’s not and even as a Sixers fan myself, I do think it’s pretty cool that the entire country of Canada is behind the Raptors. It’s a dynamic we don’t see here in the states for obvious reasons. Basketball isn’t exactly the country’s favorite sport but the crowds in Toronto have looked electric and the Raptors are surely going to need the home-court advantage against the Warriors. Couple what should be another crazy crowd at Scotiabank Arena with a 10-day layoff for Golden State that isn’t bringing Kevin Durant back into the fold and probably not DeMarcus Cousins either, and the Raptors are the side to be on tonight in the first NBA Finals game on Canadian soil. While I do like Toronto for the full game, I feel stronger about the Raptors leading after 24 minutes, largely because the layoff factor won’t play as much of a role in the second half.