NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER*
(NBA) Golden State vs. Cleveland,
Point Spread: 2.50 | -109.00 Golden State (Away)
Result: Loss
Play: Golden State Warriors
Rating: 8*

The Golden State Warriors failed to close out the NBA Finals home at Oracle Arena on Monday as they suffered a 112-97 loss in Game 5 of the series. I like the Warriors to bounce back and secure the NBA title in Cleveland for the second straight year.

Draymond Green missed the last game as he was hit with a one-game suspension after the NBA deemed his hit to James' groin in Game 4 a flagrant foul. The Warriors struggled at both ends of the court without their power forward, but the future looks bright with Green back tonight.

Kyrie Irving and LeBron James scored 41 points each in Monday's win, but with Green back the Warriors D will be much much better. The Warriors are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a double-digit loss at home and 11-1 ATS in their last 12 Thursday games. They've covered the spread in four of the past five meetings at Quicken Loans Arena and I like their chances of closing out the series this time around.