This article on the NBA conference finals is brought to you by NEDS.
After only describing it as a roller coaster in the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs, we arrived at the finals with only one of the top four seeds left. So far, let’s break down the 2025 conference finalists’ playoff journey so far.
Western Conference
This is the West’s single-type Thunder against the Six-Seed Timberwolves, and the two teams arrive at the third round through completely different paths. After wandering around the first round against Memphis, the Thunder had a tougher objection in the form of Nikola Jokic and Denver’s Nuggets in the semifinals and required all seven games to get the job done. Minnesota, by contrast, ended two early series with a comfortable 4-1 victory, and had a few more days off before facing OKC.
The regular season series between the two was 2-2, showing that Minnesota is at least capable of making this competitive showdown even as the Thunder made the expected progress. Ultimately, we’ve got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander face-to-face with Anthony Edwards… If that doesn’t have enough reason to tweak the Western Conference Finals, then that’s all!
Odds – Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – Series Odds
$1.25 – OKC / $4.00 – Minimum
*Price as of 18:50 Aest 19/05/25 and may change
Eastern Conference
The first seed Cleveland? Leaving. The second seed Boston? Leaving. This year’s Eastern Conference champion will be in the New York Knicks or the Indiana Pacers as the big guy struggled to fall and fell in the first two rounds. The Knicks beat defending champion Celtics (although without Jason Tatum in the last two games) and the Pistons in the first round in the second round. It’s very solid form on paper, and the question will be whether teams that usually use fewer players can maintain the intensity of intensity in a few minutes, which will inevitably become a series of struggles.
Indiana surprised many with back-to-back ECF appearances, paraded 4-0 before disposing of the favored Cavaliers in the second round. In contrast to New York, the Walker’s running is built on third and fourth options like nembhard, Nesmith and Turner, all of which contribute greatly in different positions. Despite its depth, Indiana has entered their first NBA Finals series since 2000, which may depend on whether they can rely on Tyrese Haliburton in a tightening time against Jalen Brunson against clutch player of the year.
Odds – New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers – Series Odds
$1.70 – NYK / $2.15 – IND
*Price as of 18:50 19/05/25 and may change
