NBA Conference Finals have been established following the Boston Celtics' dominating victory over Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7. As a remarkable twist of fate, the same four teams that battled it out in the 2020 bubble postseason in Florida have once again emerged as the final contenders. The Celtics will be hosting the Miami Heat in the East, while the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves as the underdogs against the top-seeded Denver Nuggets in the West. Get ready for an exhilarating NBA conference finals 2023 sequel!
Down below we are going to give some bold predictions and thoughts with statistics on how the NBA conference finals 2023 is going to play out. You may skip a head to find the NBA conferences finals and finals schedule game in 2023 below.
NBA conference finals predictions and analysis 2023
Celtics vs. Heat Clash
With the stage set for an epic clash, let's dive into some bold predictions for this electrifying showdown. While it may not seem too audacious, considering his postseason average of 31.1 points, the Celtics possess a formidable duo of players who could rise to the occasion. Jayson Tatum, fresh off his record-breaking 51-point performance in Game 7, has been averaging 28.2 points in the playoffs. Not far behind is Jaylen Brown, boasting a solid 24.6 points per game. As demonstrated in last year's Finals, Brown has proven himself capable of stepping up when Tatum faces challenges.
Miami's Butler and Boston's Offensive Explosion
Jimmy Butler, Miami's key weapon for a shootout, will undoubtedly score in bunches throughout the series. Facing Boston's explosive offensive talent, Butler's scoring prowess will be put to the test. Boston's deeper and more talented roster positions them as clear favorites, but they must beware of Miami's competitive spirit. Butler, along with Bam Adebayo and Miami's corps of undrafted super role players, forms a resilient and relentless unit that refuses to back down. Boston's stars, including Tatum and Brown, have occasionally shown lapses in focus, which Miami's aggressive defense will exploit. Expect Miami Heat to grab at least one game as a result. However, with superior depth and the advantage of playing Game 7 at home, Boston's strengths will ultimately shine through.
Lakers vs. Nuggets
In the Western Conference showdown, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James, face off against the formidable Denver Nuggets. Although Davis leads the Lakers in free-throw attempts per game, it's LeBron who will seize the moment. Recognizing Denver's interior defense struggles, LeBron will attack the paint relentlessly, reminiscent of his past playoff performances. LeBron's ability to involve playmakers like D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Dennis Schröder has lightened his workload compared to previous playoff runs.
Jokić's Triple-Double Challenge
Nikola Jokić enters the Western Conference Finals on a remarkable high, averaging an astounding triple-double of 34.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in the previous round. Accomplishing this feat places him in the elite company of Draymond Green and Magic Johnson as the only players to average a triple-double in the conference semifinals. However, it'smportant to note that Jokić's stellar numbers came against the Phoenix Suns, whose defense ranks 13th out of 16 playoff teams in points allowed per 100 possessions.
Undoubtedly, the Lakers will present a tougher test for Jokić. However, the Serbian maestro has repeatedly shown his ability to find solutions on the court. Whether facing Anthony Davis in a straight-up battle or double-teams from the Lakers, Jokić consistently generates scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. It's no wonder he already leads the postseason with five triple-doubles.
The clash between Jokić and the Lakers' formidable defense promises to be a thrilling battle of skill and strategy. Expect Jokić to continue dazzling spectators with his all-around brilliance as he attempts to lead the Nuggets to victory against the defending champions.
NBA Playoffs Statistics 2023
Bold Predictions and Odds
Following their dominant 112-88 victory over Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7, the Boston Celtics have solidified their position as the frontrunners to win the NBA Finals. With odds of +100 at FOX Bet, the Celtics are the team to beat. Now, as we enter the Conference Finals stage, we have four teams left vying for the championship. Boston is set to face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up to square off against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
Boston Celtics Remain Favorites as Conference Finals.
As the Conference Finals commence, let's take a look at the updated odds for the NBA championship. The Boston Celtics remain the frontrunners with odds of +100 at FOX Bet. Their impressive playoff performance and star-studded roster make them a formidable force to be reckoned with.
The Denver Nuggets, led by the exceptional Nikola Jokić, are the second favorites with odds of +225. After eliminating the Phoenix Suns with a convincing 125-100 victory, the Nuggets have demonstrated their resilience and determination to reach the pinnacle of the Western Conference once again.
NBA Conference Finals 2023 Schedules
Eastern Conference Finals
- 17 May | Boston Celtics - Miami Heat
- 19 May | Boston Celtics - Miami Heat
- 21 May | Miami Heat - Boston Celtics
- 23 May | Miami Heat - Boston Celtics
Western Conference Finals
- 16 May | Denver Nuggets - Los Angeles Lakers
- 18 May | Denver Nuggets - Los Angeles Lakers
- 20 May | Los Angeles Lakers - Denver Nuggets
- 22 May | Los Angeles Lakers - Denver Nuggets
NBA Finals 2023 Schedule
- June 1: NBA Finals 2023 Game 1, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
- June 4: NBA Finals 2023 Game 2, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
- June 7: NBA Finals 2023 Game 3, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
- June 9: NBA Finals 2023 Game 4, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
- June 12: NBA Finals 2023 Game 5, 8:30 p.m. ER
- June 15: NBA Finals 2023 Game 6, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) *
- June 18: NBA Finals 2023 Game 7, 8 p.m. ET (ABC) *
What's Next
With the conference finals set, fans are eagerly awaiting the tip-off of these thrilling matchups. The Celtics and the Heat will showcase their resilience and offensive firepower, while the Lakers and the Nuggets will engage in a battle of defensive prowess and individual brilliance. Get ready for an electrifying spectacle as these teams go head-to-head for a chance to compete in the NBA Finals. Buckle up, basketball enthusiasts, because the action is about to reach new heights!
