For the first time ever, the NBA Finals will be contested outside of the United States.  Tomorrow night in Toronto, Canada, the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors, will face off for the holy grail of basketball, the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Toronto, one half of the great Canadian expansion of 1995, are debutantes to this final round.  While the Warriors are looking to bolster up a dynasty, by trying to win a fourth title in five years.

In the season series, the Raptors defeated Golden State twice.  But stats like these don't matter when it comes to playoff basketball.

Kevin Durant's injury will be a huge storyline in The Finals.  In Toronto's two victories against the Warriors, Durant was in the lineup.  But Golden State has proven to be just as dangerous without him, as they are with him.  And, well, we all know about Kawhi's story.  After being misused last year in San Antonio, he was picked up by Toronto in the offseason.  And "Load Management" became a household term.  But it has paid off, as Leonard has been dominate throughout the postseason.

The Warriors have the championship pedigree, but the Raptors have the best player in the playoffs, and one of the league's best benches.

It's a tough call for me to make right now, But I will predict that this will go seven games.

Raptors in 6.

6ix in 6.

I’m as confident in the Raptors as I’ve ever been (because obviously...they’re winning), but my Toronto sports fan brain won’t let me believe this is real. And it’s also telling me the Warriors are going to crush them.

And maybe they will. History points to the Warriors winning this series. They’re insanely good and they’ve beaten better teams. This is their yard at the moment.

But man...I hope and honestly believe this will be a closer series than some people think and I’m happy Toronto is here. Hopefully they take the whole damn thing.

I’m going to be rooting for Toronto too but I think Golden State wins it.

But if Kawhi wins this; he will become a legend.

I'm rooting for Toronto so hard, I'm sick of the Warriors.

TODAY'S THE DAY!!!

Any last minute predictions before Game 1?

I predict the Warriors win the title but I think the raptors will make them sweat I say warriors in six or seven.

Cousin is also now active on game one

The Raptors came from 2-0 down to beat the Bucks 4 in a row.

The Raptors have beaten GSW twice this season.

As far as we know they're all healthy and ready to play.

I'm not confident but I'm optimistic and I'm hopeful. If they're not going to win I hope they at least contend because a sweep would just suck after all the hype of making it to the finals. But god damn it'd be sweet if they won. Let's hope they do, for UT's sake. I think he'd be sad if the Raptors lost and I don't like it when he gets sad.

I’ve cooled down enough to not say I hope the Warriors win in 4.

I hope they win in 5.

Well, I went with my gut.

I bet $100 on Warriors in 5. Winning prize; $350.00.

So, Warriors in 5!

Warriors in 7

My heart says Raptors, but my gut sadly, has to pick the Warriors.

I’m a little surprised about how the Raptors seem to be fairly even in people’s minds, but I haven’t paid enough attention to them this year since the injury to Oladipo killed my season. Good for them. I’m still cheering for the Warriors because I think when they’re going good, especially without Durant, they’re the most fun team to watch. But I’m good either way.

It’s definitely been an awesome start to the game. The crowd is fucking wild.

Marc Gasol about to have a career night.

Raptors up 10 going into the half.

We’ve seen this this postseason with the Warriors. The second half is where they shatter dreams.

Kawhi playing like shit, but Raptors still leading by 10 in halftime. Raptors defense is amazing. 

The Warriors have no answer for Siakam right now. It’s crazy.

Toronto's been able to answer all of Golden State's challenges so far. Siakam's playing like a beast tonight.

Not sure I liked that T on Klay. I don’t think that was malicious at all.

VanVleet and Siakam are unreal tonight. This has been the only thing keeping the Raptors alive this long, the supporting cast playing lights out when Kawhi and/or Lowry aren’t having the best night.

This has been a great game but it’s only game 1 and now all I’ll think about is how pissed of Golden State are going to be after this. :lol:

What a win for the Raptors. Now the question is will KD give it a go for Game 2?

First time since 2015 that Warriors have lost game one in playoff series. Raptors were not scared and Kawhi got great support from other guys. Siakam is a future star.

Great start for the Raptors, picking up the W even with Kawhi shooting the ball like shit. Crazy game from Siakam.

The Warriors defense was pretty poor in game 1. If they don't correct that it'll be a short series.

Game Two, just moments away!

It’s really starting to look like the Raptors are just the better team.

Jun 3, 2019 1:16:30 GMT KING KID said:

It’s really starting to look like the Raptors are just the better team.

The refs are really trying to help the Warriors out here.  Those are the only guys who can help Golden State now.

Jun 3, 2019 1:27:50 GMT CM Punk'd said:

Jun 3, 2019 1:16:30 GMT KING KID said:

It’s really starting to look like the Raptors are just the better team.

The refs are really trying to help the Warriors out here.  Those are the only guys who can help Golden State now.

Bullllllshitt.

The Warriors are having their customary 3rd quarter blitz this game. Hopefully Toronto can hold on and stay within striking distance for the 4th quarter.

That was some blitz. Oof for Toronto in that 3rd Quarter, but good to get 5 points back from that 18-0 start to keep it manageable.

Quinn Cook hit two made threes stepping up looks like Klay got hurt hopefully he is ok

Warriors are just using pure grit to hold off the Raptors so far with all their injuries.

Boogie having an incredible game and the ghost of Andrew Bogut getting some redemption for the Bucks.