The first round of the NBA Playoffs was one of the least competitive first rounds in recent memory. I expect the second and third rounds to be much more interesting, but can anyone unseat the favored Golden State Warriors? Let’s take a look at the current favorites to win the NBA Finals:
Golden State Warriors
Despite losing offseason acquisition DeMarcus Cousins for the remainder of the playoffs, the Warriors are still the odds on favorite to take home the NBA Championship Trophy in June. The foursome of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green are still the most talented starting foursome in the NBA and with their experience and one of the best coaches in the league in Steve Kerr, beating them will be no small task.
Milwaukee Bucks
When LeBron James left the Eastern Conference to head to the Lakers, many wondered who would step up to be the new “King of the East”, not many expected that team to be the Bucks but here we are. Not only did they have the best record in the East, but they had the best record in the entire NBA as the only team to win 60 games this season. They have already swept their first-round opponent, the Pistons, and seem to be on a collision course to meet the Warriors in the NBA playoffs.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets were the favorite to knock off the Warriors coming into the season after pushing the Warriors to a seven-game series last year in the Western Conference Finals. Many believed the Rockets would have won that series if PG Chris Paul had not been injured in the final game. This year a Rockets/Warriors rematch Is in semifinals as both teams took care of business in their respective first-round series. This will be one of the better second-round matchups, at least on paper, that we have had in a long time if the Rockets are able to go back to Houston and protect their home court
Toronto Raptors
No team was happier to see LeBron James leave the Eastern Conference then the Raptors were. Seemingly every year the Raptors would meet LeBron James in the playoffs, whether it was with the Heat or the Cavs, and every year LeBron came out on top. With James finally out of their way, their only obstacles will be the inexperienced Sixers and more than likely, the Bucks. So far, it’s 1-1 against the Sixers but looking at the bball odds for tonight, it seems like Raptors are slight favorites to take home another win. It’ll be the only game for today so all eyes will be on it. It’s probably safer to bet on the Raptors than the Sixers at this point seeing as all the listed sportsbooks favor the Canadian team. Kawhi Leonard has added a championship attitude to the Raptors, something they had been lacking over the last few years. It remains to be seen if that experience and attitude will be enough to get them to the finals.
