As the Conference Finals begin, the NBA season is reaching its pinnacle with only four teams left to compete. The intensity and significance of the games have never been greater.
Although they may not be the anticipated four teams, these two remarkable matchups in this round are expected to result in extended series.
Just like before, bettors have the opportunity to place bets on all the basketball games through West Virginia sportsbooks. These sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting options for each game, including updated futures for teams and players.
The Phoenix Suns are set to face off against the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference. Phoenix successfully swept Denver in their previous series, whereas the Clippers managed to advance past Utah after a six-game battle.
Next, in the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks will visit the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks managed to secure their spot in the conference finals by defeating Brooklyn in a thrilling overtime victory in Game 7. On the other hand, Atlanta surprised everyone by upsetting Philadelphia in their decisive seventh game, which took place on the road.
In this analysis, we will examine both series and analyze the odds provided by online sportsbooks in West Virginia.
NBA Conference Final odds at WV Sportsbooks
West Final – Suns vs. Clippers preview
Even though the Suns secured second place in the conference with an impressive record of 51 wins in this condensed season, they faced skepticism heading into the postseason. The majority of experts predicted that the Los Angeles Lakers, particularly after taking a 2-1 lead, would eliminate them in the opening round.
Phoenix has won eight consecutive games since then, including the first game of the West Finals. The series started on Sunday afternoon, before all the teams in the East were determined.
Despite Chris Paul being sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols, the team successfully handled their business in the opener and emerged victorious with a 120-114 win.
The Suns are finally receiving the recognition they deserve, both in the media and among sportsbooks.
Naturally, the outcome of the first game greatly influences the betting odds. Nevertheless, the Suns are currently the frontrunners with a -455 odds to ultimately win the series. Meanwhile, the Clippers are listed at +340 to emerge victorious, as per DraftKings Sportsbook WV.
In addition to the initial defeat, the Clippers’ prosperity heavily relies on the well-being of star player Kawhi Leonard. With the two-time NBA Finals MVP absent from the first game and now confirmed to be out for the second match as well, his health holds significant importance for the team’s success.
Leonard suffered a sprained right knee during the latter part of Game 4 against the Nuggets, which forced him to sit out the final two games of that series. It remains uncertain whether he will be able to participate for the remainder of the ongoing series.
According to DraftKings, for Tuesday night’s second contest, the Suns are favored by 5 points as both Paul and Leonard are unavailable. Bettors have the option to bet on the Suns winning at home with a moneyline of -200 or choose the Clippers with odds of +165.
Although LA desires to secure a victory while playing away, it does not feel any additional pressure to achieve this. The team has already successfully overcome two 2-0 series deficits in the current playoffs, making it the first in NBA history to accomplish such a feat.
In order for the Clippers to succeed, they heavily rely on Paul George to consistently produce exceptional performances. Over the course of the last three games, George has been scoring impressively with 37, 28, and 34 points, stepping up in the absence of Leonard.
East Final – Bucks vs. Hawks preview
In the other conference final, one team is expected to be here according to many predictions, while the other team was not anticipated.
Throughout the entire season, Milwaukee consistently ranked as one of the top contenders in the conference and currently seems to be reaching new heights. Despite the Brooklyn Nets not being at full capacity, the Milwaukee team triumphed in an outstanding series against them.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton delivered outstanding performances, leading the Bucks to a crucial Game 7 victory. Giannis contributed an impressive 40 points in the game that sealed the series, while Middleton contributed 23 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
The Hawks, who have caused upsets in the first two rounds, will now be facing them.
In the opening series, Atlanta entered as a slight underdog against the Knicks, but their underdog status increased significantly when they faced Philadelphia.
Following a setback of 2-1, the team made a comeback by winning three out of the subsequent four games, thanks to Trae Young’s exceptional performance. Young has been absolutely outstanding in the playoffs, maintaining an impressive average of over 29 points and 10 assists per game, with a shooting accuracy of more than 41%.
The Hawks require Young to maintain his exceptional performance level, much like the Clippers’ present situation, in order to stand a chance.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook WV, the Bucks have a strong likelihood of winning the series, with odds set at -460. On the other hand, the Hawks are considered underdogs with odds of +360.
Regarding the first game, the online sportsbook has set Milwaukee as a 7-point favorite when playing at home. Bettors have the option to choose the moneyline at -300, or alternatively, they can bet on the Hawks with odds of +245.
Despite the Bucks being favored, it would be unwise to underestimate the Hawks given their recent accomplishments. While Milwaukee may have more overall postseason experience, it is important to note that they do not possess multiple championship titles.
It wouldn’t come as a surprise if this series extends to at least six games.
The favorite to win it all, according to FanDuel, is the Bucks. They have odds of +105. Following them are Phoenix, with odds of +150, LA with odds of +800, and Atlanta with odds of +1100.
Related Articles
