NBA Conference Finals: A Preview Of The Final Four, The Odds, And Prediction

The NBA playoffs are down to the last four teams and what incredible action we have been treated too in this years post season. The excitement hit its peak at last night's last-second win by the Toronto Raptors to take a 4-3 series win from the Philadelphia 76ers, who played an excellent game. 

Of the last remaining teams, it was only the Bucks that have had a significant rest, as they beat the Celtics 4-1, playing their last game on May 8th, while the Warriors won their series 4-2 on May 10th. The Trail Blazers needed a seventh game to outlast the Nuggets, and, the Raptors followed the Nuggets with both teams winning their respective series' on May 12th. 

Western Conference Finals

Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Portland has a very tall task ahead of them, as they will take on the three-time NBA defending champions, the Warriors of Golden State. There is quite a number of injuries on both sides of the court. Wil Kevin Durant be healthy enough to play? Will DeMarcus Cousins be able to fight through his quad injury? These are the two main questions when thinking about the Conference Finals, but, there is a bigger question out there...that is, whom will Dell and Sonya Curry be cheering for to win as Steph, and his brother Seth will be dueling it out to reach the Finals. 

If Durant is back, which is more likely, the Blazers will already be in a jam. However, add Cousins to the Warriors' roster, and you've got a lineup that can not be beaten, and the Blazers will be out of this one very fast. The last round against the Rockets was a more formidable rival than the Blazers, and the Warriors did it in six games. Many say that the previous series was the Conference Final. 

Game 1 Odds and Prediction

Right now, bet365 Sports has the Warriors as big favorites to win Game 1 at 1.28. The Blazers are quite far behind at 3.75, but, anything can happen. Unfortunately for the Blazers, the only thing that will happen in Game 1 is a Warriors' win. 

Eastern Conference Finals

Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks - Wednesday 1:30 GMT

The final shot by Kawhi Leonard will be remembered for a very long time, as his buzzer-beater has sent the Toronto Raptors to the Conference Finals. The Raptors and the Bucks both took very different tracks to make it here, but, the outcome was the same. The Bucks have had a much longer time to rest, which may play a factor in Game 1 of this series, but, the Raptors have even more on their plate as they will need to try and stop Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is averaging 27.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists, which has him as a potential playoff MVP. 

Antetokounmpo is a matchup nightmare for all teams. To put it, he is just too big and strong for those that play out on the perimeter, and, he is way too athletic for big players to guard him. The Bucks have shooters at every position to complement Giannis. 

Game 1 Odds and Preview

Well, this game is a bit harder to predict, but, as Game 1 will be played in Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum, the Bucks have a slight advantage over Toronto's' Raptors. bet365 Sports confirms that the Bucks are favorites at 1.38 for a Bucks' win, and, 3.15 for Toronto.