The conclusion of the NBA season is nearly upon us.
The NBA finals promise fans a captivating experience as teams do battle for the championship.
Every team has its ace players, but who are the stars to look out for in the playoffs?
Here are the names who are strongly tipped to have a significant say in the outcome of the finals.
LeBron James
James is top of the pile of players to look out for in the finals, just the fact he’s in the team has ensure the LA Lakers are the favorites in the NBA finals odds. The LA Laker star has had his fair share of injury concerns over the season. If his team are to do well, they need him fit and healthy.
The four-time NBA champion has made it to the Finals each year he’s been fit since 2011. His performances on the court in 2020/2021 have been incredible, with fans praying he’ll be in contention for the finals.
Kyrie Irving
The Brooklyn Nets player Irving has a formidable style and technical mastery on the ball. With the skill to deliver game-winning performances at every level, the Nets will be hoping he will be in full form for the Finals.
After missing some time earlier in the season, Irving returned with a bang, marking up some impressive totals. His averages include over 27points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists. The Nets fans will be looking to him to continue his excellent form.
James Harden
Irving’s main high scoring teammate in the Brooklyn Nets line up is James Harden. Following a huge early-season trade deal taking Harden to the Nets from the Houston Rockets, he has gone on to great success.
He logged a triple-double in his debut for the Nets, underlining his tremendous ability. Indeed, many believe he is one of the best in the game overall. He is certainly a player who could be a massive influence on how the Finals pan out.
Joel Embiid
Embiid has been playing at a level touted as MVP worthy. The Philadelphia 76ers center adds fantastic power to the offence and defense.
When he’s fit and well the 7ft 2in player makes the 76ers look like a realistic proposition for going on a long run in the Finals. Keeping him healthy will be imperative to the team. The stats back this up. Embiid averaged above 29 points over the regular season, with 10.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
Nikola Jokic
Jokic has been fundamental to the challenge of Denver Nuggets this season. As the Finals beckon, fans will be hoping he can continue his powerful drive. Able to assist his teammates with cutting passes and excellent playmaking, he has proved his attacking strength time and again.
Jokic’ overall play and success within the team are significant factors why some feel he is in the running for an MVP.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Another player with a keen interest in the MVP award is Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks star is the reigning MVP, having won twice in a row. There is little reason to doubt that he could win a third, taking his team to the heights along the way.
Antetokounmpo has an average points tally of 28.8 points, making him a powerful force on the court for anyone to contend with. The scary thing for opponents is that he looks like he might even be improving.
Anthony Davis
Davis, LeBron James’s attacking partner at the Lakers, is another significant reason for their ongoing success. The team really need both to be firing on all cylinders to enjoy a potentially championship-winning run in the Finals. As it is, Davis has been beset by injury woes much like James has. Recent recovery bodes well for the team’s chances.
Luca Doncic
The young – he’s only 22 – Dallas Mavericks star Doncic has been doing everything right this season. He could be the Mavs’ key hope in the finals. The point guard has an impressive average point score of 28.5, with 8.1 rebounds and 8.9 assists. With stats like that, it’s no wonder the fans are keen to see how he will fare in the Finals.
Kawhi Leonard
Twice NBA Finals MVP Leonard gives LA Clippers fans every reason to feel confident in their team going into the Finals.
The skilled and experienced forward has averaged over 25 points over the regular season, with 6.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists. During recent games Leonard just seems to be getting better, and he is bound to be a big part of his team’s plans for their championship targeting campaign.
Stephen Curry
Curry and his team the Golden State Warriors will be heading into the Finals in fine form. After missing much of the 2019-2020 season, Curry has returned with an explosion of strength and skill.
The three-time NBA champion will be looking for a fourth with the Warriors, his team for his entire professional career. With a brilliant set of statistics, including an 11-game stretch in April of 30 points per game, both he and his fans have every reason to be hopeful.
All of these players are sure to be a large influence on the NBA Finals. Fans can sit back and enjoy the action and look out for the stars on show.
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