專業足籃賽事分析

The New York Knicks, now leading the Boston Celtics 3-1 in their playoff series and benefiting from Jayson Tatum's injury, are favored to win the Eastern Conference and reach the NBA Finals. They hold +120 odds on BetMGM, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (+100) as title favorites. Three other second-round series feature 3-1 leads: the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Golden State Warriors, the Indiana Pacers (who could close out the Cleveland Cavaliers), and the Thunder in a tight battle with the Denver Nuggets.

The Thunder have remained title favorites despite a 2-1 deficit to Denver, partly due to struggles by other top contenders like Boston and Cleveland. The Celtics, initially second in title odds, and the Cavaliers, plagued by injuries to Donovan Mitchell, face steep 3-1 deficits. Oklahoma City’s strong regular season (68 wins) and the decline of rivals have solidified their position.

Potential Eastern Conference Finals matchups loom, with the Knicks possibly facing the Pacers—a rivalry with historical playoff ties. Injuries continue to impact contenders: Tatum’s status is uncertain, Mitchell is hobbled, and Stephen Curry’s absence has hurt the Warriors, who trail Minnesota 3-1. The Timberwolves, heavy favorites (-5000) to advance, hold +600 title odds, while the Warriors are long shots at +15000.

The Thunder and Knicks, both seeking rare Finals appearances (Oklahoma City last in 2012, New York in 1999), face pivotal moments as series progress. Betting odds reflect shifting dynamics, with injuries and underperformances reshaping the postseason landscape.