NBA Finals Game 3 (June 5) Preview: Warriors Vs. Raptors – Time Start, Channel, Stats, Odds

On Wednesday night in Oakland, CA, the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors will take part in Game three of the 2019 NBA Finals.

For the Warriors especially, Game three could end up proving to be a pivotal point of the series for them. Statistically speaking, winning Game three at home would increase the Warriors’ chances of winning the NBA Finals by 15%. In addition to not having Kevin Durant, though, the Warriors may find themselves down two more players as well.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr announced yesterday that Kevon Looney’s season is likely over due to a fracture to his right rib cage. Looney missed the entirety of the second half of Game two, but it was unclear until after the game what the extent of Looney’s injury was. Game 3 in Oakland will air at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

Another Warrior whose status is unclear heading into Game three is Klay Thompson. Thompson left Game two during the fourth quarter with a mild hamstring strain and was seen limping in the tunnel, congratulating teammates following the win in Toronto. Unlike with Looney, there is optimism within the Warriors camp that Thompson will be fully available to play in Game three. That is big news for an already depleted Warriors team.

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Heading into Game three, the Raptors know that it is do-or-die time for their season. Once the Warriors opened up the second half of Game two on an 18-0 scoring run, they never once looked back.  After Game two, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry said, “third quarter we didn’t play well enough. We missed too many shots. They got out in transition and got a little confidence going. We lost the game there.”  Raptors center Marc Gasol post-game said, “They moved the ball really well and were running freely. Once they run freely, everything opens up for them.” The Raptors will need to get more out rising star Pascal Siakam if they want to win Game three. After a brilliant 32 points and eight rebounds on 14/17 shooting in game one, Siakam put up just 12 points and eight rebounds on 5/18 shooting in Game two.