The Raptors matchup very well defensively against the Warriors. The home court advantage is actually worth something in game one considering this is Toronto's first trip to the finals. Over 75 percent of the tickets and money are on the Warriors tonight, but I'm backing Kawhi and company to protect home floor.

The Toronto Raptors have lost every Game 1 in the postseason thus far. That's a challenging hurdle tonight against the powerhouse Golden State Warriors. But instilled confidence is in place for the Raptors' second unit, and former Western Conference veterans Serge Ibaka, Danny Green and Marc Gasol bring experience. Grab Toronto to override their Game 1 playoff woes.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen the Warriors, who made quick work of the Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. Kevin Durant (calf) still won’t be back for Game 1, but DeMarcus Cousins and Andre Iguodala will. Cousins has been out for well over a month, so he is likely to see limited playing time. The Raptors know if they are going to pull off the series upset, they need to protect home court. Look for them to do that and win the series opener.

The Raptors want to slow this game down, but I'm not sure they'll have the type of success they had against the Bucks. The Raptors will adapt to the pace the Warriors want to set, just like when they met in November at Toronto, a 131-128 overtime win for the Raptors. The total was 222.5 back then. I'm on the Over.

Rested or rusty? The Warriors last played 10 days ago but looked fantastic in their five-game win streak without Kevin Durant, who is still out. They played a spent Blazers squad that appeared satisfied with their upset of Denver. The Raptors last played five days ago and used a strong edge at home to take down the No. 1 seeded Bucks. I like that home edge in Game 1 as well. Raptors are the play.

In the first three rounds, the Warriors faced teams ranked 19th, 18th and 16th in defensive efficiency. It's a completely different story against the Raptors, who ranked fifth but would have finished even higher had Kawhi Leonard rested less. Look for Danny Green to come alive after a horrible series vs. Milwaukee, and for Toronto to grab Game 1.

The Raptors match up defensively against Golden State better than any other team in the NBA. In addition, Kevin Durant will not play in Game 1 and may even miss the entire series. His absence will be noticeable. I have Toronto six points better than Portland. Considering the Warriors have been off 10 days and the Raptors' home crowd advantage, I think Toronto is going to get off to great start that will be too much for the champs to overcome. I also like the Raptors in the first quarter and first half.