NBA play-offs 2021: Analysis of the Conference finalists

Preview and odds ahead of the Conference finals

The line-ups for the Eastern and Western Conference finals have been confirmed as we edge closer to the climax of the NBA play-offs.

Fifth seeds Atlanta Hawks defeated Philadelphia 76ers in a decider to book their place against Milwaukee Bucks, who also needed all seven games to beat Brooklyn Nets, in the final of the East, while Phoenix Suns already hold a 1-0 lead over Los Angeles Clippers in the Western final.

We look at the four teams and their chances of winning the title next month in our NBA betting tips.

Milwaukee Bucks (1/1)

Milwaukee produced a superb overtime victory in Brooklyn to book their place and are favourites to claim only the second NBA title in their history, 50 years on from their maiden success.

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to showcase his star credentials, averaging 28.8 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists in the NBA play-offs, with Khris Middleton adding an average of 23.3 points and eight rebounds per game.

They saw off Miami Heat, who defeated them en route to the 2020 NBA finals, in a 4-0 blowout series before edging out the second-seeded Nets. The Bucks are the only team who can stop themselves from at least reaching the finals.

Phoenix Suns (31/20)

Devin Booker has been playing at a different level in the play-offs as the Suns continue their momentum from the regular season.

Even without veteran star Chris Paul due to injury, Booker helped Phoenix to a 120-114 victory in game one of the Western Conference finals with his first career triple-double.