The 2022 NBA Playoffs are already three games into its Conference Finals stage, giving an indication as to which teams will be in the NBA Finals.
The Golden State Warriors hold a 3-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks and have been cranking up the defensive intensity. On the other end, Miami Heat has a 2-1 lead over the Boston Celtics.
Here are the updated title odds.
Golden State Warriors (-155)
The Warriors are not the same team that they were during the dynasty years, but they may be more balanced, if anything. Kevon Looney was done a tremendous job in the current series while Draymond Green has struggled to stay on the floor. Andrew Wiggins has also been excellent defensively and with making timely shots.
The Warriors always have the three-ball in their repertoire. They have also won games through their championship experience and defense. Steph Curry has also been the most effective fourth-quarter scorer in the entire playoffs, and with all of these positive indicators, it is not surprising the Dubs have the best futures odds to win the title.
Miami Heat (+330)
The Heat is led by Jimmy Butler. He has a legitimate case as to being the best player in the entire playoffs, given his production. Miami has proven to run deeper than just their star, however, recently beating the Celtics on the road and without having Butler for the second half of the affair.
No team in the league does a better job cultivating young, unheralded talent than Miami. This has been seen with massive buckets from Max Strus and Gabe Vincent, among others.
The Heat can play suffocating defense when they are engaged, and they have more depth than any team left in the postseason. Obviously, they also have a 2-1 lead over Boston, which helps their chances.
Kyle Lowry is still not fully healthy. But as long as Butler is back in full swing, there is a strong chance the title ends up in South Beach.
Boston Celtics (+340)
The Celtics were a popular pick amongst bettors heading into the Heat series. and in some ways, they have been better than the Heat, although they have not been convincing.
The most positive sign for the Celtics is that they have only lost two total quarters in their losses; making them the first team in the playoffs to ever hold this distinction. Unfortunately, all that matters is the series count, and they trail 2-1 in that department.
Boston is also an elite defensive team with great depth, three-point shooting, and finishing ability. They have the potential to match up against different systems better than any team in the playoffs. They just have not been able to handle Miami’s physicality and disru[ptive defense and face going down 3-1 if they cannot effectively run their offense.
Dallas Mavericks (+4400)
The Mavericks would have to do the unthinkable to even reach the Finals as they currently find themselves in a 3-0 hole to the Warriors.
Luka Doncic has been playing out of his skin. Sadly, his teammates are once again coming up small when he needs them the most. Doncic also has not been great on defense and has let multiple ball-handlers blow by him at different points.
Dallas has been victimized by Golden State’s timely shot-making and relentless motion offense. This has tired them out on defense and the boards especially.
