While one Aussie player exits the NBA Finals Series, another advances to the Conference Finals.
The Boston Celtics were able to overcome a tense series to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers to send Aussie Ben Simmons crashing out of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
In a repeat of the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics will take on the Cavs who were able to sweep the Toronto Raptors in their Semi-Final clash.
In the Western Conference, the two best offences in the league are set to go head to head, in what should be an intriguing encounter. The Warriors will be looking to go one step better and defend the title that they won in 2017 against the Cavs when they clash with the Rockets.
The Rockets were the most dynamic team in the regular season and with the acquisition of Chris Paul their backcourt took on a whole new dimension. James Harden is the hot favourite to take out the league’s highest individual honour, but the man known as ‘The Beard’ will be wanting to lead the Rockets to their first title since the 1994 season.
Check out our specials for the first game in the Conference Finals.
Easter Conference Finals
Cleveland Cavs v Boston Celtics
For the second consecutive year, the Celtics will do battle with the Cavs for a place in the NBA Finals. For the Celtics, this represents a major opportunity in the development of their young roster who will be without the services of former Cavs swingman Kyrie Irving and Gordon Haywards, who was injured on the opening night of the season against Cleveland.
The Cavs have responded brilliantly to the injuries with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both in outstanding form in their Semi-Final battle with the Philadelphia 76ers. For their clash with the Cavs, the Celtics will be relying on the experience of centre Al Horford to lead this Boston side to what would be an unlikely victory against the best player in the league.
This series comes down to Boston’s ability to contain LeBron James.
James has been in outstanding form over the playoffs, dragging his side across the line against the Pacers in the opening round and single-handedly destroying the Raptors in the Semi-Finals.
James is currently averaging 34.3 points per game and his determination to drive the Cavs to another NBA title will help them win this series against the Celtics.
Tip: Cavs to win the series in six games
Western Conference Finals
Golden State Warriors v Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets will be aiming to reach their first NBA title since the 1994/95 season, but will need to find a way to overcome the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors have been the dominant team in the NBA for some time and their line-up of All-Stars that include Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have dominated the league for the last few seasons.
The acquisition of Chris Paul from the LA Clippers has given the Rockets their best chance of making the big dance for the first time in a number of years. Paul has been a revelation this season and his partnership with James Harden has propelled the Rockets shooting guard to another level.
Both of these sides possess the best-attacking options in the league and this series will be won with defence.
The Warriors were able to blunt the options of Anthony Davis in their Semi-Final thanks to the work of Draymond Green and will need a similar effort to stop Harden.
Harden has been unstoppable this season and the Rockets will be feeling confident having dominated the Warriors in the regular season. The Rockets are good enough to end the Warriors’ tilt for back-to-back crowns and should advance to the Final in what promises to be an exciting series.
Tip: Rockets to win in seven games