Most teams that have made the playoffs are resting their players in anticipation of what’s to come. But, if you’re considering laying some action on some 2017 NBA futures, it pays to know how teams stack up. Keep reading to get our take on a few clear contenders to make it all the way. In the meantime, you can look at some NBA odds here.
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Western Conference
Golden State Warriors: The Warriors are almost a lock for the No. 1 seed with the Spurs and Rockets probably snatching the 2nd and 3rd spots. Golden State has six games left on their schedule with only one road game against Phoenix ahead. Currently, they lead San Antonio by 3.5 games with the Spurs being their only real competition. They have a at least a 60 percent chance of winning the Western Conference with close to a 50 percent shot at winning the NBA title.
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San Antonio Spurs: SA has already clinched home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs as well as the top-two seed with home court through the first two rounds. Though they trail the Warriors by 3.5 games, they have a solid shot at winning the Western Conference finals with at least a 30 percent chance.
Houston Rockets: The Rockets hold a spot in the top four with the third seed practically being a lock. The Jazz are behind by five games but Utah has the tiebreaker. Houston likely will face Oklahoma City in the quarterfinals which they should get through to then face the Spurs in the semis.
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Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics: Having clinched their spot in the playoffs as well as home court in the first round bodes well for the Celts. With a relatively easy five games ahead, they’re probably going to rest key players for the playoffs. Currently, they lead the Cavaliers by one game, but Cleveland has the 2-1 tiebreaker lead with one to play.
Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs have clinched a playoff spot, the Central Division and home court. Likely they’ll finish in the top spot in the East and have a high probability of winning the conference finals. Look for Cleveland to make a run to the Finals to face the Warriors in a repeat of last year’s NBA finals.
Toronto Raptors: They’ve clinched their place in the playoffs with home court in the first round. Toronto is a top four seed and battling with the Washington Wizards for the third seed. They lead the Wizards by one game and have the tiebreaker. Considering they might face either the Hawks or the Bucks in the first round, they should make it through the first round of the playoffs.
What do you think, do you have any NBA futures predictions on how the playoffs might end up?
