NBA Finals 2015 Expert Predictions: Warriors Picked To Win Over Cavs?

Stephen Curry Warriors 2015 — Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are heavily favored to win the NBA Finals. Reuters

It’s the Golden State Warriors in six games, at least according to the nation’s top sports media outlets. Hours before the Warriors clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, experts and analysts from ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and USA Today are all predicting Golden State to wrap up its first championship in 40 years.

Of the 26 experts listed below, an overwhelming 21 selected the Warriors and MVP Stephen Curry to defeat LeBron James and the Cavaliers. A plurality of eight predicted Golden State to wrap up the series in six games, but seven others went cut it to five games.

All but one expert from Sports Illustrated selected the Warriors, and most at ESPN did as well. No outlet predicted a sweep for either team.

Given Golden State’s dominance throughout the regular season and playoffs, they’re already considered the betting line favorite and the experts further solidified the betting public’s confidence.

However, five experts believe the Cavs are poised for an upset if they can extend the series to six or seven games. Cleveland is vying for its first title in franchise history, with James universally considered the best player on the planet despite Curry’s rise to prominence over the course of the season.

Check out the full list of expert picks below.

J.A. Adande, ESPN

Prediction: Warriors in 7

Kevin Arnovitz, ESPN

Prediction: Warriors in 5

Ian Begley, ESPN

Prediction: Cavs in 7

Chris Broussard, ESPN

Prediction: Cavs in 6

Chad Ford, ESPN

Prediction: Warriors in 7

Nick Friedell, ESPN