Top-Three Finals Preview

The National Basketball Association’s regular season comes to a close today, with one final playoff spot to be determined in the Eastern conference. While little has changed atop the standings, the road to the finals could lead to a very intriguing championship series. Here’s a quick look at three match ups NBA sportsbook enthusiasts will be hoping to see.

Orlando Magic vs Los Angeles Lakers

A rematch of the 2009 finals would be a treat. The Lakers never really looked in danger of conceding the title to the Magic a season ago, and while Orlando feels it is better equipped to handle Los Angeles should the two represent their conferences in the final for a second straight year, the truth is both teams have improved. Can the Magic rely on Vince Carter to be the difference if these teams meet?

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Los Angeles Lakers

This is the dream match up NBA betting enthusiasts were anticipating a year ago when the Cavaliers and Lakers were each made heavy favorites in their respective conference finals. One of these teams made it, the other had eleven months to think about it, and work towards ensuring a spot in the championship. The key difference between this years team and the one that lost to the Magic in six games a season ago will be at center, where Cleveland added Shaquille O’Neal in the off-season to match up with Dwight Howard in the post. Will that be enough? How about Shaq versus Kobe for the NBA title?

Boston Celtics vs San Antonio Spurs

How about two solid teams with aging rosters making one more championship run? The Celtics can compete with any team in the east when healthy, while San Antonio has been one of the hottest teams in the association down the stretch.