NBA Conference Finals: Game 4 and 5 Preview and Betting Odds
Published May 21, 2018 by Sol FH
The Celtics and the Warriors both have the advantage going into Game 4, but will the Cavs and Rockets be able to come back?
The NBA Eastern and Western Conference Finals are in full swing, and all four of the remaining teams are in search of that golden ticket to the NBA Finals. As things currently stand, the Boston Celtics are up 2-1 over the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Golden State Warriors lead the Houston Rockets 2-1 as well. Games 4 and 5 will be the most crucial for the Cavs and Rockets respectively, as it is very rare that a team makes a come back after being down (potentially) 3-1.
Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 - Cavaliers vs. Celtics, 22.5.18 at 1:30 GMT
The Celtics took control of the series in games 1 and 2, but the Cavs flexed their playoff muscles in Game 3, using the home-court-advantage to crush the visitors 116-86. It was probably the best game of the 2018 playoffs so far for the Cavs, and if they can use that momentum to their advantage tonight, the Celtics will be in trouble. The Cavs do not have as much depth as does the Celtics and that is evident every time LeBron James takes a seat on the sidelines. Sure, James has the ability to win games seemingly by himself, but if the Cavs are thinking about the next five years, they will have to bring in more young talent.
Winning Game 3 paved the way for the Cavaliers to get back into the series and offers a blueprint of how they can achieve it. The issue is that the Celtics are an incredible team this year and it will take all of the Cavs' shared efforts to advance. The odds are with the Cavs, at least for Game 4, with Betfair Sports posting in their favor at 1.36, and 3.40 for the Celtics. This could be the underdog opportunity that punters are waiting for as Boston should not be underestimated and could easily steal the win at Quicken Loans tonight. In contrast, 888 Sport also has the Cavs as favorites to win at 1.32, and, 3.55 for Boston. Throughout the game, both online bookmakers are offering live in-play bets for punters seeking a more interactive way to make wagers.
Western Conference Finals Game 4 - Rockets vs. Warriors, 23.5.18 at 2:00 GMT
The Rockets seemed to be getting back into the series after their Game 2 victory 127-105. That was until Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and the rest of the Warriors woke up. In Game 3, Curry led all scorers with 35, followed by Durant with 25, but it was their depth that won the game. Golden State won the game 126-85, including a 38-point fourth quarter (Houston scored 18 in the fourth), and led by a dominant defensive display that shut down James Harden completely. Harden was left with 20-points, which is not going to win games, especially against the defending NBA champions. Game 3 was the worst playoff loss in Rockets' history and could be a sign of what's to come if they cannot find an answer for Curry.
888 Sports likes the Warriors' chances to win Game 4 and have posted in its favor at 1.24. The Rockets are in need of some magic at 4.35, as winning at Oracle stadium is one of the toughest places to win at in the league. Betfair Sports also likes the Warriors in Game 4, and have posted similar odds of 1.25, and, 4.35 for the Rockets.
