What We Know About the NBA Conference Finals

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After what could only be described as a rollercoaster first two rounds of the NBA Playoffs, we arrive at the Conference Finals with just one of the top four overall seeds remaining. Let’s breakdown the post-season journey so far for the 2025 Conference Finalists.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

It’s the one-seed Thunder against the six-seed Timberwolves in the West, two teams that arrive in the third round via very different paths. After strolling through Round One with a sweep against Memphis, the Thunder came up against far tougher opposition in the form of Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in Conference Semi’s and needed all seven games to get the job done. In contrast, Minnesota has wrapped up both early series with comfortable 4-1 wins, giving them an additional few days rest prior to facing OKC.

The regular season series between these two was split at 2-2, suggesting that even if the Thunder advance as expected, Minnesota at least has the ability to make this a competitive matchup. At the end of the day we’ve got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander going head-to-head against Anthony Edwards…if that’s not enough reason to tune into the Western Conference Finals then nothing is!

Odds – Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – Series Odds 

$1.25 – OKC / $4.00 – MIN

*Prices correct as of 18:50 AEST 19/05/25 and subject to change

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1st seeded Cleveland? Gone. 2nd seeded Boston? Gone. This year’s Eastern Conference title will go to either the New York Knicks or Indiana Pacers as the big names fell hard and fell early in the first two rounds. The Knicks come in having knocked off the defending champion Celtics in Round Two (albeit without Jayson Tatum for the last two games), and the feisty Pistons in Round One. That’s very solid form on paper, the question will be whether the team that generally uses fewer players for more minutes can keep up the intensity over what’s bound to be a closely fought series.

Indiana have surprised many by making it back-to-back ECF appearances, cruising past Miami 4-0 then disposing of the heavily favoured Cavaliers in Round Two. In contrast to New York, the Pacers run has been built on squad usage with third and fourth options like Nembhard, Nesmith and Turner all making big contributions at different points. Despite the depth, Indiana progressing to their first NBA Finals series since 2000 will likely come down to whether they can rely on Tyrese Haliburton to deliver in crunch time against the Clutch Player of the Year in Jalen Brunson.

Odds – New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers – Series Odds

$1.70 – NYK / $2.15 – IND

*Prices correct as of 18:50 19/05/25 and subject to change