window.tgpQueue.add('tgpli-68313160c3aee') Most of the pre-season expectations have been binned in the NBA, while some bold assertions have been validated, highlighting just how unpredictable the season has been. 201y62
We are expecting more of the same heading into the second half of the campaign, but there is still plenty of action left in the season, so there’s time for more intriguing surprises.
The twists and turns have made it a tricky to predict which teams will make it to the NBA Conference Finals, but there are still some standout picks that will fancy progressing to the Final Four.
Read on as we predict which teams will be involved in this season’s thrilling post-season action.
Boston Celtics – Eastern Conference 5p51
The Boston Celtics are still a force to be reckoned with as they bid to become the first NBA side to successfully defend the championship since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.
They beat the Dallas Mavericks 4-1 to end a 16-year title drought, and their form this season suggests they have no plans to relinquish the crown.
The Celtics were heavily tipped at 3.40 odds to retain their crown before the season, cementing their position as bookmakers’ favourites, and rightly so.
They pulled off their most important piece of business during the summer by tying down one of their linchpins, Jayson Tatum, with a record-breaking five-year contract worth $314 million.
He has repaid Boston’s faith, leading his teammates in points, rebounds, assists and elite shooting skills from beyond the arc.
The Celtics haven’t dominated the Eastern Conference as they did last season, but there’s no reason why they can’t reach the Conference Finals this term.
Milwaukee Bucks – Eastern Conference 6o101f
The Milwaukee Bucks have done well to push up the Eastern Conference standings after shaking off a horrendous start to the season. They now look like a decent bet to reach the Conference Finals.
Despite their early struggles, basketball experts have tipped them to make the play-offs, although they have been inconsistent in recent weeks.
The Bucks boast a roster packed with star power, and the Eastern Conference is not exactly brimming with play-off contenders, so they should have a clear path to post-season action.
There were concerns about Khris Middleton at the start of the season after coming off surgery on both ankles – his third straight summer of rehab – but the three-time NBA All-Star has been a decent squad player.
The lack of depth in the Bucks squad, coupled with their wobbly defence, which ranked 19th overall last season, are areas they need to address.
However, with MVP candidate Giannis Antentokounmpoo leading the charge, backed by the addition of Gary Trent Jr, the Bucks should reach the latter stages of the play-offs.
Dallas Mavericks – Western Conference 2o3y5p
It took a while for the Mavericks to get going this season.
After kicking off the campaign with a comfortable win against the San Antonio Spurs, the Mavericks won just five of their next 11 games, including an embarrassing defeat to the Utah Jazz.
However, they steadied the ship soon after, going on a blistering winning streak that was briefly disrupted by a slender defeat to the Miami Heat.
The Mavericks are on course to claim a spot in the play-offs. They reached the final last season and have been tipped to go all the way this time around.
However, they will need the dynamic duo of Australia-born Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic firing on all cylinders to bolster their odds.
Mavericks fans ionate about NBA betting in Australia will undoubtedly be paying attention, with Irving set to play a key role for the team this season.
If they can get Doncic to full health, his partnership with the Aussie-born star will make the Mavericks’ 19.00 odds of winning the title a no-brainer for many sports bettors.
Denver Nuggets – Western Conference 12375n
The Denver Nuggets may not have the depth they once boasted, but with Nikola Jokic on the floor, they remain a Western Conference powerhouse.
The Serbian centre is having the best season of his career and is spearheading the Nuggets’ charge to the play-offs.
He is putting up career-best numbers, leading the league in rebounds and assists while averaging over 55 percent from beyond the arc.
As long as he stays fit, the Nuggets will be in the play-off conversation, although whether they have what it takes to win the championship remains to be seen.
Having one of the best players in the game is a huge trump card, but the three-time MVP will need back-up if the Nuggets are to go all the way.
The Nuggets have lost several key players, which could ultimately scupper their chances of progressing beyond the Conference Finals this season.
