Key Points Summary:Celtics Against Thunder in the Final?
- Celtics are predicted to win NBA Finals over Thunder in dramatic showdown
- Thunder have clinched No. 1 in the West and are title betting favorites
- Playoff chaos in West with Clippers and Timberwolves in, Warriors out
- Warriors fall into play-in but are still a dangerous underdog
- Knicks, Cavaliers, and Celtics dominate the East playoff picture
- April 15-19: Play-in starts with SWarriors against Grizzlies
- Betting odds favor Thunder, Celtics, Cavaliers, and Lakersd
- as top title contenders
The regular season is over, and the NBA playoff hat the most dramatic finale ever. In a fight for the last play off spot the Clippers beat the Warriors in overtime and send Golden State and Steph Curry in the hard fought play in tournament.
But here’s the headline everyone’s talking about: Celtics will win the final against the Thunder – Lakers and Knicks are the big contenders
That’s the bold prediction, and the way things are shaping up, it’s starting to feel very real.
With Oklahoma City locking up the No. 1 seed in the West and chaos unraveling everywhere else, this year’s road to the championship is a perfect storm of storylines, surprises, and superstar showdowns.
Let’s break it all down.
Celtics vs. Thunder: The Betting Final Is Coming
All signs point to a legendary rematch. The Celtics and Thunder —two of the NBA’s most storied franchises—are on a collision course for the Finals.
Boston is loaded, dangerous, and motivated. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, and Kristaps Porzingis anchoring the paint, the Celtics are poised for a dominant playoff run.
Meanwhile, the Thunder are the team of the seasom —and Shai Gilgeous Alexander is on fire.
US LIVE predicts Boston will edge out the Thunder in a hard-fought seven-game series—and raise banner No. 18.
Betting Odds: Thunder Lead, But Celtics Close
The latest odds from BetMGM tell the story:
- Thunder (+175)
- Celtics (+200)
- Cavaliers (+500)
- Lakers (+1000)
- Warriors (+1200)
- Nuggets (+1600)
The Thunder are the official betting favorite, but the Celtics are right behind them. Cleveland and Golden State are hot picks, while the Lakers and Nuggets are considered dangerous long shots.
With just two games remaining for most teams, everything can still shift.
Eastern Conference Locked and Loaded
In the East, the playoff field is locked in. The Cavaliers are the top seed, followed closely by Boston, New York, and Indiana.
Here’s how the East is shaping up:
- Cavaliers
- Celtics
- Knicks
- Pacers
- Bucks
- Pistons
- Magic (play-in)
- Hawks (play-in)
- Bulls (play-in)
- Heat (play-in)
Celtics Dominating Down the Stretch
Despite resting their top six players in a surprise loss to the Magic, the Celtics are storming into the postseason with momentum and confidence.
Their star power is unmatched in the East. And with a deep bench, elite coaching, and revenge on their mind, Boston is hungry to finish what they started.
Cavaliers Are Lurking
Cleveland is having its best season in years and quietly powering through the East.
With Donovan Mitchell playing MVP-level basketball and the young core of Mobley and Garland rounding into form, the Cavs are no. 1 for a reason—and a massive threat to Boston’s title hopes.
If the Celtics falter, don’t be surprised if Cleveland swoops in.
Knicks and Bucks Still in the Mix
The Knicks and Bucks round out the East’s core contenders.
Jalen Brunson has turned into a full-fledged star for New York, while Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo is still capable of taking over a series at any moment.
Expect fireworks in the East Semifinals—especially if Boston and New York meet in a classic showdown.
Western Conference: It’s Thunder agaist Lakers
In the West, only one thing is certain: Oklahoma City is the No. 1 seed.
The Rockets as No. 2 lost their last games,. also the Lakers a No. 3. .
Let’s look at the Western Conference final standings:
- Thunder
- Rockets
- Lakers
- Nuggets
- Clippers
- Timberwolves
- Warriors
- Grizzlies
- Kings
- Mavericks
Thunder on Fire
OKC has taken the league by storm this season, and they’re not just winning—they’re dominating.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing like an MVP and a young, athletic core behind him, the Thunder are fast, deep, and deadly.
They’re everyone’s dark horse. But this might be the year they go all the way.
Clippers and Nuggets Flexing Power
The Clippers are back to full strength and surging, especially after crushing the WQarriors in overtime in the last game.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets, led by a relentless Nikola Jokic, are holding firm at No. 4 .
Both teams are looking like serious playoff threats..
Warriors Fall, Face Play-In Danger
Golden State suffered a crushing loss to the Clippers in their last game falling to seventh in the West.
They’re now stuck in the play-in zone, fighting for survival. But with Steph Curry leading the charge, the Warriors are still one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
If they make survice the play in, nobody will want to face them.
Official US LIVE Predictions
Play-In Winners:
- Magic beat Hawks for East 7th
- Heat beat Bulls for East 9th
- Warriors beat Grizzlies for West 7th
- Mavericks beat Kings for West 9th
Playoff Winners First Round:
- Celtics over Magic
- Cavs over Heat
- Knicks over Pistons
- Bucks over Pacers
- Thunder over Grizzlies
- Lakers over Timberwolves
- Clippers over Nuggets
- Warriors will beat the Rockets
Playoff Winners in the Semi finals
Celtics over Bucks
Knicks over Cavaliers
Thunder over Warriors
Lakers over Clippers
Conference Finals:
- East: Celtics over Knicks
- West: Thunder over Lakers
Finals:
- Celtics vs Thunder — Celtics win NBA Championship
Celtics Will Win the Final Over Thunder, But Watch the Lakers, Warriors, Clippers, Knicks and Cavaliers
The Celtics will win the final against the Thunder—that’s the bold prediction. But in this year’s dramatic playoff picture, don’t count out the Lakers, Clippers, Cavaliers, Knicks or even the Warriors iof they survive the play-in.
It’s anyone’s game. And with at least seven potential favorites it will be the most thrilling NBA playoffs in years.
Get ready. The madness is about to begin.
