The NBA Playoffs are at their most intense, with the Conference Finals tipping off soon. The Eastern and Western Conference powerhouses are ready to clash, and for those who want to add another layer of excitement, there’s a thrilling option: analyzing NBA betting lines for the NBA Conference Champions Finals.
NBA Conference Finals Odds to Win
On Wednesday night the Boston Celtics became the first team to notch their ticket to the 2024 NBA Conference Finals. Boston awaits the winner of Knicks versus Pacers. Over in the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks have a 3-2 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets boast a 3-2 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Which teams look best to win their conference and head to the 2024 NBA Finals? Keep reading for updated NBA Conference odds, analysis, and picks.
^NBA Eastern Conference Odds
- Boston Celtics -950
- New York Knicks +800
- Indiana Pacers +2500
Why the Celtics will Win the Eastern Conference
No doubt, the Cs have been the best team in the NBA this season. Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown and the rest have dominated since day 1, losing 18 games during the regular season and just 2 games in the playoffs.
Although Porzingis will be a game time decision during the Eastern Conference Finals, Al Horford has stepped in nicely. The Celtics are loaded. So the odds make sense.
Why the Knicks will Win the Eastern Conference
Jalen Brunson. JB dropped 43 versus the Pacers in Game 1, 29 in Game 2, 26 in Game 3, and 44 in Game 5. The Knicks will go as far as Brunson takes them.
Luckily for New York and their fans, Brunson projects to take the Knicks far, maybe even to the NBA Finals. The supporting cast is solid enough for help Brunson push the Celtics if the two meet in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Why the Pacers will Win the Eastern Conference
Indiana must win 2 straight versus the Knicks, which won’t be easy, but if the Pacers can pull off the victory, Indiana’s roster matches up well with Boston’s.
Both teams have solid bigs and Boston’s is hurt, which means Myles Turner should have a decent series. Pascal Siakam can hang with Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton will be the best guard in the series.
NBA Eastern Conference Final Analysis
Indiana and New York are solid teams, but there’s a reason oddsmakers and NBA bettors have jumped all over the Celtics. Boston is the class squad of the Eastern Conference. The Cs are much deeper than just Tatum, Porzingis, and Brown.
Also, the Celtics have the postseason experience to get it done. Give Boston the nod to win the Eastern Conference Finals.
NBA Eastern Conference Pick: Boston Celtics
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NBA Western Conference Odds
- Denver Nuggets -135
- Dallas Mavericks +220
- Minnesota Timberwolves +700
- Oklahoma City Thunder +850
Why the Nuggets will Win the Western Conference
Nikola Jokic, who just won a third NBA MVP, is unstoppable. Case in point? The Minnesota Timberwolves won the first 2 games in the second round best of seven series.
Since then, Jokic has led the Nuggets to 3 straight victories. Jokic is Jordan in a big man’s body. He dishes, rebounds, and scores.
He’s also showing excellent leadership by calling out Jamal Murray after Murray’s frustration blow up in the game 2 loss. As long as Jokic wears a Nuggets uni, Denver will have a shot to win the Western Conference Finals.
Why the Mavericks will Win the Western Conference
Luka Doncic, like Jokic for the Nuggets, does it all. But as fantastic as Doncic is, the reason the Cavaliers Mavericks have a real shot this season of winning the West is because of their suffocating defense.
Luka, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Jones, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford play excellent team defense. The Mavs held the Thunder to 101 points in a series win and 92 in the key game 5 series victory. The Mavs’ defense is as quality as it gets.
Why the T’Wolves will Win the Western Conference
When the entire Minnesota starting five is healthy, there may not be a better five in the Association. Anthony Edwards is one of the top players in the league. Rudy Gobert and Karl Anthony-Towns make for this generation’s top pair of bigs.
The key, and the reason the T’Wolves have struggled lately versus the Nuggets, is Mike Conley. Conley has been hurt. The steady point guard must get back on the floor if the T’Wolves hope to rally versus the Nuggets.
Why the Thunder will Win the Western Conference
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren make for a devastating 1-2 punch. The Thunder are built to be a long lasting dynasty.
So far, things have worked out okay. But Oklahoma City has displayed it’s youth and inexperience versus Doncic and the Mavericks. If OKC can grow up in a hurry, the Thunder for sure has the talent to beat the Nuggets or T’Wolves and scamper to the NBA Finals.
NBA Western Conference Final Analysis
Oklahoma City’s season feels like next year. The Thunder have the talent and players to match up with a squad like the Nuggets, but they aren’t as deep and the inexperience is showing.
Minnesota ran into bad luck with the Conley injury. Without their starting point the guard, the T’Wolves are a good but not great team. Minny won’t really against Denver unless Conley makes a miraculous comeback.
Dallas can beat anybody in the NBA. But versus the rival Nuggets, the Mavs are in a tough matchup. Denver has gotten it together at the perfect time. So if it comes down to Doncic versus Jokic, the Nuggets take the series.
It’s surprising that Denver offers -135 odds. On paper and visually, no team is playing as well in either conference as the Denver Nuggets. The game 2 defeat to Minnesota lit a fire that Murray and Jokic have flamed throughout the series. Denver finishes off the T’Wolves and then beats the Mavericks in 5.
NBA Western Conference Pick: Denver Nuggets
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NBA 2022: Updated Conference Winner Odds
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The NBA is less than a month away, with a bevy of contenders hoping to come out on top at season’s end. Let’s take a look at what’s at stake with each conference! For your favorite NBA betting tips.
Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics – +275
The reigning Eastern Conference champs have a dangerous star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but they also added Malcolm Brogdon, as they desperately needed a traditional point guard.
They also have the veteran leadership of Al Horford and Marcus Smart, in addition to the defensive prowess of Robert Williams III.
Milwaukee Bucks – +325Any team with Giannis Antetokounmpo will always have a chance, but a lot of it will come down to the health of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.
If they can all stay healthy, the Bucks have a legitimate shot to get back to the Finals.
Brooklyn Nets – +400With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons all on this roster, this team is arguably the most talented team in the league. However, this team needs to demonstrate they can push aside the drama and play with continuity.
If the Nets can stay healthy and on the same page, they may end up being the favorites come postseason time.
Miami Heat – +800Despite being a season removed from getting to the Conference Finals, this team doesn’t stack up as well as other contenders. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo play hard on both ends of the floor, and Tyler Herro can help with scoring, but the other pieces just aren’t strong enough to get them to the Finals.
Western Conference
Golden State Warriors – +350The reigning champs still have Stephen Curry in his prime, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole both getting better, and the continuity of having Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in the mix.
Health could very well be a concern for many of these players, but if they can avoid injuries, this team will remain a tough out in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Clippers – +375Kawhi Leonard will be returning this season alongside Paul George. The Clippers added a bunch of depth on the wings that can help with scoring and defense and a former All-Star point guard in John Wall.
If health and a willingness to stay on the same page can come to fruition for this team, then they can very well end up in the Finals.
Phoenix Suns – +500This team finished with the best record in the league last season, but Chris Paul is another year older and this team didn’t get much better over the offseason.
Devin Booker is a bonafide star, but he will need help to get his team to the Finals.
Los Angeles Lakers – +700LeBron James has proven time and time again that you can’t count him out. However, he will be turning 38 years old this season, so something to keep in mind.
It will take Anthony Davis re-emerging as a bonafide superstar in this league and Russell Westbrook embracing a lesser role for this team to get to the Finals.
2022 NBA Eastern and Western Conference Odds: Heat Betting Favorites Along With the Suns
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We’ve made it to the conference semifinals. The top four seeds in each conference advanced, so this truly is the best eight teams in the NBA. Let’s take a look at each of the four teams odds to win their respective conference titles so you can wager against their NBA Conference Championship odds.
Who are the Favorites to Win the Conference Titles? | NBA Playoffs Betting
The Heat is On in the East!
Miami Heat +140
Prior to the start of the playoffs, the Heat didn’t have the best odds to win the East. But now that the playoffs have started and the Heat is playing well, things have changed. Even without Kyle Lowry, the Heat is playing at a high level. Their defense has been overwhelming, and Jimmy Butler has looked like the player he was two years ago in the bubble. Even though Butler is having knee issues, we’ll be seeing him soon.
Milwaukee Bucks +180
The Bucks shocked everyone by going to Boston and beating the Celtics in Game 1 of their semifinal series. And to think that they did this without Khris Middleton, who will be out for the rest of the series. Even though he struggled to shoot the ball, Giannis Antetokounmpo showed that he could do other things to help his team win.
Boston Celtics +250
Boston looked lost in Game 1 of their series with Milwaukee. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown shot the ball poorly, and Boston’s play was sloppy. We think their defense will return in Game 2 and they’ll tie the series up. When Brown and Tatum are going well, this team is a load.
Philadelphia 76ers +1300
Until Joel Embiid returns, the Sixers have very little chance of advancing. James Harden looks to be out of shape and disinterested. Until they get those two going, the Sixers are in trouble.
Will the Suns Be Shining at the End?
Phoenix Suns +100
Now that the Suns are back to full strength, they’re the favorites to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. The Suns let Luka Doncic score at will in Game 1, but they stopped everyone else. The Suns can guard and score, and they should take care of Dallas in five games or less.
Golden State Warriors +110
The Warriors are back! They stole Game 1 in Memphis, and that was without Draymond Green for most of the game. When the guards are playing well, this team is nearly impossible to slow down. Green has shown a penchant for shutting down the other team’s top player. This team knows what it takes to win, and they have a great shot at getting back to the Finals.
Memphis Grizzlies +1000
Ja Morant has shown the nation that he is for real. The Grizzlies have come out of nowhere to become relevant and show everyone that they’ll be a force out West for years to come. They may not quite be ready for the big time now, but their time is near.
Dallas Mavericks +1400
Until the Mavericks get some help for Luka Doncic, they’re no better than a conference semifinal team. When they get some help, lookout.
NBA Conferences Championships Betting Predictions: Early Western & Eastern Odds Favorites
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The current NBA season is in its infancy, but that doesn’t mean we can take a long look out to conference champions. Early season favorites like Golden State have struggled while an under the radar team like the Phoenix Suns have played great basketball. Keep reading for NBA Conference Championship odds, analysis, and free picks for the teams that have a real shot at winning their conference.
Early Conference Champions Predictions and Picks | NBA Betting Odds
2022-2023 NBA Regular Season
When: Tuesday, Oct. 18 – Sunday, April 9
Eastern Conference
Top Pick: Milwaukee Bucks +238
The 9-1 Bucks were 9-0 before losing to the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 7. No doubt, Milwaukee will lose more games than just the match against the ATL.
Milwaukee while Khris Middleton has remained on the bench. Think of how well the Bucks will play once all three stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday are the other two, play on the court together.
Second Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers +840
With an 8-2 record as of Nov. 8, the Cavaliers are on the Bucks’ heels. Cleveland boasts the best back court in the NBA.
Everyone knows how good Donovan Mitchell is. Darius Garland averages 19 points and 8.5 assists each game. Watch out for the Cavs.
Third Pick: Miami Heat +1000
Miami has a losing 4-7 record, but it’s too early to jump off the Heat’s bandwagon. Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and the rest are plenty good enough to make a huge run.
Expect the run to happen right after the all-star game. Miami remains one of the few teams in the East that can win the title.
Western Conference
Top Pick: Phoenix Suns +370
The Suns are playing with more bravado and energy than they did during last year’s playoff disappointment. The reason?
Owner Robert Sarver has put the team up for sale. With Sarver out of the picture, Phoenix should roll to the best record in the West, especially since the Dubs are struggling.
The backcourt remains one of the best in the league. Not only that, but this could be the season Devin Booker lands his first NBA MVP. In addition, DeAndre Ayton is a happy camper because he signed a massive contract during the offseason.
Second Pick: Denver Nuggets +820
Jamal Murray is healthy. Murray’s health was the final piece of a three-headed monster puzzle that includes two-time defending NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and underrated Aaron Gordon.
Murray, Gordon, and Jokic haven’t played together long. So when Denver’s Big 3 finally gels, the Nuggets should dominate.
Another reason Denver is so good is because even if Gordon or Murray has a bad game, Jokic can bail out the rest of the team. Nikola isn’t the two-time MVP for nothing.
Third Pick: Memphis Grizzlies +850
Ja Morant is averaging 28.5 points, over rebounds, and over 7 assists per game. No wonder the Grizzlies have a 7-4 record.
No doubt, the rest of Memphis’ starting five, especially backcourt mate Desmond Bane, must play well in the the postseason for the Grizzlies to win the West. After last year’s playoff experience, the expectation is that this team goes deep into the postseason.
NBA 2021 Conference Odds Update: Clippers Down 2 Games, Hawks Take the Lead
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Now that we’ve made it to the Conference Finals, the betting public is ready to wager on who they think will end up in the NBA Finals.
Out West, we have a team that is on fire, while their opponent wasted a great opportunity in the last game. In the East, we had a very surprising outcome in Game 1 of the series. Let’s take a look at the updated odds to win the conferences so you can continue making your bets against their NBA Conference Championship odds.
Updated Odds to Win the Western Conference and Eastern Conference Championships
Can the Clippers Overcome a 2-0 Deficit?
In looking at the odds to win the Western Conference, since they’re up 2-0, the Phoenix Suns are a +110 to win.
The Suns have won nine straight games going into Game 3 of their series in Los Angeles. The Suns will also be getting star point guard Chris Paul back for Game 3. Everything seems to be pointing in the right direction for Phoenix.
As for the Clippers, being down 0-2 isn’t new to them. They’ve been down 0-2 in their first two playoff series and have come back to win both of them. Paul George has played well in this series, but he hasn’t had much support from his cast and crew.
It’s very unlikely that we see Kawhi Leonard at all in this series. His ACL injury appears to be much worse than Leonard originally thought. Since they are down two games, the oddsmakers have set their odds at +1400 to win the Western Conference. Las Vegas doesn’t seem to have much confidence that the Clippers can come back.
Will the Bucks Stop Here?
After a stunning Game 1 upset by the Hawks, on Milwaukee’s home court, many are doubting that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks can win the East.
However, the oddsmakers aren’t part of the crowd that doesn’t have much faith in the Milwaukee Bucks, as they have set them at a +145 to win the Eastern Conference and advance to the NBA Finals.
The Bucks are clearly the more talented squad, but they didn’t play like it in Game 1 of their series. We’ll see if Giannis, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and the rest of the Bucks can pick things up in Game 2, and continue on their quest to finally get to an NBA Finals.
As for Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks, the young guard is quickly becoming the villain that the NBA needs. The sharpshooter has had some epic performances throughout the playoffs. He has unlimited range, and he can also get into the paint.
When Young plays well, his teammates feed off of him. The Hawks have a nice group of shooters that compliment Young well. If they have a scheme to slow down Antetokounmpo, the Hawks could upset the Bucks.
Las Vegas has the Atlanta Hawks at a +750. If you’re going to hop on the Hawks bandwagon, you better get on now, because if they win Game 2, their odds of winning will be much higher, and you won’t get as much bang for your Buck (no pun intended).
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One NBA Conference Semifinal Done, Three Series Left
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With one NBA Conference semifinal in the books, we still have three series going strong. Out West, the Phoenix Suns have swept the Denver Nuggets and are now moving on to the Western Conference finals. The Los Angeles Clippers and the top-seeded Utah Jazz are knotted at two games apiece in the other Western Conference series. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our latest NBA update so you can continue betting against their NBA Playoffs odds.
NBA 2021 Playoffs – Conference Championship Series Betting Update
Eastern Conference
In the Eastern Conference, we have two very competitive series going on. In one of the best series of the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks have overcome a 2-0 deficit to even the series at two games apiece. Kyrie Irving will probably miss the rest of the series for the Nets, and we’re still unsure if and/or when we’ll see James Harden.
The Atlanta Hawks came back from a significant deficit to win Game 4 and tie their series with the Philadelphia 76ers at two games apiece. Joel Embiid’s injured right knee looked like it was nagging him late in Game 3. Trae Young is having shoulder issues, which could come into play as this series could go the distance.
Now that we’ve recapped all of the playoff series, the main question that everyone wants to be answered is, “who is going to win this year’s NBA Championship?” With the postseason favorite Brooklyn Nets fighting injuries, and the other favorite, the Los Angeles Lakers, already out of the playoffs, it’s not a given that the favorite will win this year.
We think that injuries are going to take too big of a toll on the Brooklyn Nets, and they will lose their series to the Milwaukee Bucks. Even though the torn meniscus has hobbled Joel Embiid in his right knee, the Philadelphia 76ers will have enough to prevail over the Atlanta Hawks, setting up a Philadelphia vs. Milwaukee matchup. This is going to be the year that Giannis Antetokounmpo finally gets to the NBA Finals, as in a long, hard-fought series, the Bucks will defeat the Sixers.
Western Conference
Out West, the Phoenix Suns are awaiting the winner of the Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers series. When it boils down to the end, we’re going to ride with Kawhi Leonard. Leonard’s Clippers will then meet the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix has been playing great basketball as of late, and we think they’ll continue to do so and will beat the Clippers to advance to the NBA Finals.
So, who will win, Milwaukee or Phoenix? We’re going to go with the Phoenix Suns! They’re fully healthy, and they’re playing great basketball! Chris Paul will finally get his chance to play in the NBA Finals! He has done a great job of leading this team and has stepped things up in clutch time. Devin Booker is shooting the ball as well as anyone, and Deandre Ayton is playing at a very high level. Jae Crowder brings an element of toughness, and quietly, Mikael Bridges has been very good throughout the playoffs.
Monty Williams will come up with a strategy to slow Antetokounmpo down, and the Bucks will struggle offensively. The Valley of the Sun will be celebrating its first NBA Championship!
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NBA 2021 Conference Championship Odds Update
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With the 2020-21 NBA regular season coming to a finish on Sunday, May 16, it’s time to look at the latest odds to win the Eastern Conference and Western Conference Championship. Let’s jump right into action so you can plan your bets against their NBA Conference Championship odds.
NBA Betting Predictions for the Eastern and Western Conference Championship
Eastern Conference Championship Odds Betting Predictions & Analysis
Are the ballyhooed Brooklyn Nets going to live up to their status as the odds-on-favorite to win the 2021 Eastern Conference Championship? Can the Philadelphia 76ers ride Joel Embiid’s coattails to a conference crown? Will the much-maligned Milwaukee Bucks beat out both aforementioned title favorites to come out of the east?
Could all three odds on favorites be beaten out by a lesser title contender like reigning conference champ Miami, or a surprising New York Knicks ballclub?
Odds to Win 2021 Eastern Conference Championship
The Favorites
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets might be odds-on-favorites, but I’m not sure they will even reach the conference finals right now and I’m not joking. Both Philly and Milwaukee have not only challenged Brooklyn this season, but beaten them. The Nets lead the league in scoring (118.5 PPG), but have been horrendous defensively in allowing 114.5 points per contest (22nd). No team has ever won a title without playing some sort of competent defense, so…there’s that!
Philly has had a fantastic first season under Doc Rivers. All-star center Joel Embiid has been unstoppable in putting up 29.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game and Tobias Harris is a consistent 20-point scorer. Still, I’m always waiting for more from Ben Simmons and Philadelphia’s depth is a question mark for me.
The Bucks are looking good as we finish up the regular season. Milwaukee ranks first in scoring and has a whopping seven players averaging double figures in scoring, led by certifiable superstar in Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.4 points, 11.1 rebounds per game). Three players average at least five assists per game and four starters shoot at least 47.5% from the field. For me, Milwaukee has a different and more competitive feel this season than they have the last two seasons.
Miami hasn’t looked nearly as formidable this season as they did a year ago en route to the conference crown. The Heat have been phenomenal defensively, but have struggled to score this season. Miami ranks 27th in scoring (107.1 PPG) and fourth in points allowed (107.6 PPG). More importantly, Goran Dragic, Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson have all taken steps backwards from their respective stellar campaigns a year ago.
Boston has underachieved all season long. Jayson Tatum (26.5 PPG) and Jaylen Brown (24.7 PPG) have both been phenomenal, but Kemba walker is shooting 41.5% from the field and just doesn’t look like that dude anymore. The C’s might win one series (might), but they definitely aren’t winning two.
New York Knicks
The Knicks rank 25th in scoring (107.3 PPG) and a league-leading first in points allowed (104.7 PPG). Julius Randle is now a certifiable all-star talent and RJ Barrett is looking better with each passing game. Derrick Rose is great off the bench, but New York’s ability to put the ball in the basket is severely limited.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks rank 14th in scoring (113.3 PPG) and an identical 14th in points allowed (111.6 PPG) and have the look of a dangerous team heading into the playoffs. Trae Young is a legitimate star and Clint Capela is playing like an all-star that is capable of doing a lot more than what most people think. John Collins is a gifted young player and Bogdan Bogdanovic is an elite sniper. A run to the conference semis isn’t out of the question.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers rank 12th in scoring (113.9 PPG) and sixth in points allowed (108.3 PPG). Domantas Sabonis is a do-it-all all-star and Caris LeVert is seriously gifted. Still, the Pacers seemingly need a bit more talent to get past the elite teams in the East.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards rank fourth in scoring (116.3 PPG) and 30th in points allowed (118.5 PPG) and look like a team that no one wants to meet right now with Russell Westbrook putting up triple-doubles like they’re going out of style and Bradley Beal a sure-fire 20-point scorer. Still, the lack of defense will doom the Wiz at some point, although Washington looks like a team that could win at least one series.
The Hornets have a real game-changer in rookie point guard LaMelo Ball, a fearless scorer in Terry Rozier and a versatile small forward in Gordon Hayward. Charlotte looks a bit dangerous and is the most exciting team to watch in the league, thanks to the youngest and most talented of the three Ball brothers. The Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors will both be left on the outside looking in come playoff time.
Prediction
I’m going with a final four of Philly, Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Miami or New York. In the end though, I’m going with Milwaukee and Brooklyn to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
Western Conference Championship Odds Betting Predictions & Analysis
The biggest question in the Western Conference as we get set for the playoffs is simple. Are the injury-riddled Los Angeles Lakers capable of getting past the gauntlet of challengers in the loaded the Western Conference? Can Chris Paul and the remade Phoenix Suns make the leap from good to great by winning the conference crown?
Will Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and the rest of the loaded Los Angeles Clippers live up to their championship caliber roster after coming up well short a year ago? Can the Utah Jazz get Donovan Mitchell back on the floor in time to challeneg for the conference championship after being the best in the west for the vast majority of the season?
Could another title hopeful like Dallas, Portland or Denver get past the aforementioned conference title favorites or will Steph Curry shoot the Golden State Warriors to a conference crown? With the 2020-21 NBA regular season coming to a finish on Sunday, May 16, it’s time to look at the latest odds to win the Western Conference Championship.
Odds to Win 2021 Western Conference Championship
The Favorites
The Los Angeles Lakers might be prohibitive favorites to win the Western Conference crown, but right now, they certainly don’t look the part. LA is 3-7 over its last 10 games and just doesn’t look very formidable without LeBron James. More importantly, the aging James and oft-injured Anthony Davis don’t look like they’re going to be fully healthy any time soon.
I saw the Clippers destroy the Lakers on Thursday night and now, I firmly believe Paul George and company are going to be very difficult to dispatch this postseason. LA has at least two quality players at every position on the floor and the Clippers have a completely different – and more serious – feel this season.
I’m a huge believer in the Utah Jazz, but that was before superstar shooting guard Donovan Mitchell went down with an ankle injury a couple of weeks ago. Depending on how healthy Mitchell is when he returns, the Jazz could really contend for the conference crown or come up well short after being the top team in the league all season long.
Similarly, I’m extremely high on Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns. At this point, the Suns are clearly no longer a novelty or feel-good story. Phoenix is deep at every position and had made a habit out of winning lose games down the stretch.
I like the Denver Nuggets a lot and I love Michael Porter Jr. to be more specific. Still, there’s something about the Nuggets that screams ‘We can’t beat the Lakers’. Maybe it’s the fact that Nikola Jokic gets abused every time he goes up against Anthony Davis. Sorry, not sorry.
I think it’s quite possible that Mavs forward Luka Doncic is the best all-around player in the league, but Dallas doesn’t have a true star to pair with the perennial all-star and at this point, I think everyone knows that Kristapps Porzingis is never going to be that guy.
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard is my favorite player in the NBA, but every time I watch Portland play, i’m left wanting more. The Blazers have plenty of talent, but can’t seem to put it all together for more than a couple of consecutive games and that tells me Portland needs to move on from head coach Terry Stotts, like now.
Golden State Warriors
I have no doubt in my mind that Steph Curry is the greatest shooter we’ve ever seen in NBA history, but the fact of the matter is that Golden State is still too young and too inconsistent to get past the elite teams in the conference. Plus, I’m often left wondering why Andrew Wiggins is determined to not play with any aggressions whatsoever.
Memphis has Ja Morant and a bnch of mediore role players surrounding him. San Antonio plays the right way, but the Spurs are a far, far cry from being the dominant team of the Timmy, Manu, Tony Parker glory days. New Orleans made a foolish move by firing Alvin Gentry in favor of Stan Van Gundy and will be on the outside lookingin come playoff time for the second straight season of the Zion Williamson era.
The Sacramento Kings have an offense that can put points on the board with any team in the league. Unfortunately, the word ‘defense’ is not in their vocabulary and that’s a problem, even if they do manage to sneak into the play-in tournament.
Prediction
In the end, I’m going with a final four of Utah, Phoenix, the LA Clippers and Nuggets, with the Suns and Clippers my top two picks to meet in the conference finals.
Conference Finals Prediction: Phoenix Suns Vs LA Clippers
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