NBA 2023 Playoffs Preview: Eastern and Western Conference Semi Finals

Summary

The NBA is heating up with the Eastern and Western Conference Semi Finals underway, which means eight teams are left in the big tournament to try and win the Championship.

What was once a sixteen-team race is now cut in half, with many of the potential winners like the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies succumbing to the fire.

Regardless of who’s out of the playoffs, most teams will be focusing on what they can control in the now.

They must remain focused and steadfast, to replicate their performances that have got them here in the first place.

The NBA has a ton of creative players and coaches, so these next few games in the ECF and WCF Semi Finals will be as challenging as any.

The defensive schemes of coaches will be well prepared to cater to the stars of opponents, and we might be seeing some tricks being pulled from the bag.

We have several stars still in the running for another addition to their resume and these playoffs have been one of the most dramatic in a long time.

Let’s head into some of these matchups this week on Stake.com’s sportsbook!

Match Betting Previews

Phoenix Suns versus Denver Nuggets - Game 2 - Nuggets Lead 1-0 - Monday, May 1st

The Phoenix Suns are looking to shake off an absolute disaster class in game one, something that was truly negative in all aspects of their game.

The only shining light appeared to be acquisition and MVP Kevin Durant.

The former most valuable player was clicking on all cylinders and facilitating his teammates the ball as well as scoring at will.

KD is looking back in true playoffs form and if his teammates can pick it up, the sky is the limit.

That has been a big if, however.

The Suns allowed double digit 3’s for another consecutive game and this time it hurt them in a huge way.

They were never able to recover from a 20 point lead in the second half and the starters were pulled midway through the fourth quarter.

Phoenix has rough patches in their defensive rotations and adjustments, and there is no doubt that Monty Williams will need to polish their plan for game two.

Nikola Jokic and company dismantled the Suns in game one, in the only way they know how.

The Nuggets were firing from the three-point line and making some sweet passes to find open cutters in a match that seemed like big men versus young boys.

The Nuggets might not shoot that well from three again this series, but they were doing other things off the ball that created opportunities in space.

Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray are stepping up big time as second and third options for the squad, and have allowed Jokic to be a pass-first big in many occasions this season.

Prediction - Nuggets Moneyline and the over on total points scored.

Los Angeles Lakers versus Golden State Warriors - Game 1 - Tuesday, May 2nd

The LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors will take each other on in a battle for the pacific division supremacy as they meet for the first time since 1991 in the Western Conference playoffs.

LeBron James and his squad are rolling deep and have found the spark to ignite their possible Championship run, something the rest of the West did not like to see at all.

Making shots and playing the best defence in the world, Anthony Davis looks to be regaining his “bubble” form that many fans have been calling for.

After beating Memphis in six, this squad is rested and ready to go for game one at GS.

Stephen Curry and the Warriors are looking battle-tested after a clutch game seven win over the Kings in Sacramento this past weekend.

Their coaches and overall mindset definitely would have liked to finish the series earlier, but the veteran talent of Steph Curry prevailed.

As long as he is on the roster, it will be tough for opposing teams to win.

Prediction - Over on total points in this one, as well as the Lakers spread.