Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

A few mere days ago the 2017 NBA Finals seemed destined to end with the Golden State Warriors celebrating a 16-0 run to a championship on the Cleveland Cavaliers floor at the end of Game 4, but it was not to be. The Cavs used that contest to put together their best performance of the year and staved off elimination for at least a few more days, but their biggest test is still to come. The team, facing an all too familiar 3-1 deficit, is traveling to Oracle Arena on Monday evening for a critical Game 5 on the road that will determine whether this series goes to Game 6 or if the Dubs finally avenge their 2016 collapse.

Game 5 has all the makings for an extremely intense battle between two bitter rivals. The series jumped up a few levels in intensity ahead of Game 4, thanks to Golden State star Draymond Green's words. The controversial forward  got under the collective skin of Cleveland’s fans and players after he spoke about how it would be “very satisfying” to win a title at Quicken Loans Arena and then party at the opposition's place. Cleveland guard Kyrie Irving admitted that this was the fuel his side needed to scorch the then-perfect Warriors, 137-116, in Game 4.

After a droll start to the Finals, this series is now can’t-miss viewing for all basketball fans. If you aren’t a fan of either team and just want to see a good game, you have every right to expect one. If you are looking to get even more excitement from Game 5, there is always the option of placing a wager down on the action. However, it’s never fun to be on the wrong side of a bet, which is why expert handicapper Jon Price ofSportsInformatonTraders.com has been asked to provide his take on the situation. Before we get to the pick that Price handed over, let’s have a quick look at the complete TV schedule, latest betting line and more for Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals.

2017 NBA Finals Schedule and Game Odds

Game Date Time (EST) Network Odds
Game 5* Monday, June 12 9:00 p.m. ABC Warriors -8.5
Game 6 Thursday, June 15 9:00 p.m. ABC Cavaliers -4
Game 7 Sunday, June 18 8:00 p.m. ABC Warriors -4

Odds via SportsInformationTraders.com

Recommended by Forbes

Golden State head coach Steve Kerr stated that his squad wasn’t thinking about making history, instead the Warriors just ran up against an opponent that was cornered and fighting for its life. "I don't think there was any concern or thoughts about history. I think it was we played a desperate team on their home floor, a great team, with great players, and they came out and handed it to us. Simple as that."