NBA 2023 Playoffs Preview: Western and Eastern Conference Finals Game 1

Summary

The NBA is finally into the pen-ultimate stage of matches, and there are only four teams left in the big tournament.

The playoffs have been unreal up to this point, and with multiple dramatic points and star performances, we are only heating up to the big dance.

The Lakers and Nuggets as well as Heat and Celtics are all deserving teams of the Championship crown, but only two of them will make it out alive.

These Conference finals are the exact repeat of the bubble 2020 conference finals, which also adds another element to the fray.

The starpower of these four teams combined is immense and fans from all the way around the world will be tuning in to see the capabilities of their favourite teams.

There is nothing better to relish on than the NBA playoffs, and these next two seven-game series will be very epic to watch take place.

Will LeBron James make another NBA finals appearance? Will the Celtics conquer their demons, or will Jimmy Butler prove to be too much to handle.

Will Nikola Jokic make the final step towards greatness in his career?

All these are valid questions that will be going down on Stake.com’s sportsbook this week!

Match Betting Previews

Los Angeles Lakers @ Denver Nuggets - Game 1 - Tuesday, May 16th

The LA Lakers are loving life right now after securing a two series cushion over the Grizzlies and Warriors.

Given a .3% chance to make it this far in the first place during the 2-10 stretch of the regular season, the Lakers are defying all expectations and truly making the most out of a very inconsistent season.

They are catching fire at the right time and look to be truly legitimate contenders out of the dark.

LeBron James led teams are always in the mix for a Championship, but Robert Pelinka’s moves after the trade deadline have signified something completely different.

The pieces on this Lakers team are gelling more than expected and there seems to be a different aura around their current form of play.

If they are able to steal game one, this series could truly be a barnburner.

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are more than ready for the incoming onslaught of the Lakeshow and are well equipped to stop the run.

The Nuggets came into the playoffs as the number one seed in the West, and for good reason.

Stopping the Suns and Timberwolves in back-to-back fashion is no easy feat, and Denver has a huge home court edge over everyone else left in these playoffs.

Look for the teamplay to make an impact in this one, and possibly secure an early series lead.

Prediction - Denver Nuggets to win this match and the spread.

Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics - Wednesday, May 17th

The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics once again rematch for a third time after meeting in the ECF for three of the past four years.

Jimmy Butler and Jayson Tatum once again will duke it out for a spot in the Championship, something that has been split right down the middle the past few times they have fought.

Miami are coming off two upset series victories and have no fear in them whatsoever.

The Celtics will have a ton of pressure building upon them, but Tatum and company have just faced adversity dead in the eyes with their series against the Sixers.

This one will be a competitive watch, although many might not think the same.

Prediction - Celtics spread and under on total points.