GOLDEN State clinched a spot in a fifth consecutive NBA Finals and sportsbooks installed the Warriors as the favorites against an opponent to be determined from the Eastern Conference.
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 120-102, Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) to even the Eastern Conference finals at two games apiece. Game 5 in the best-of-seven series will be played Thursday (Friday in Manila) in Milwaukee.
Bookmakers give the finals edge to the Warriors, who are -180 against the Bucks, according to Sports Book USA.
Golden State swept the Portland Trail Blazers with an overtime series capper Monday night, with Steph Curry delivering a triple-double in his fifth consecutive 30-point effort. The Warriors played the entire series without ailing forward Kevin Durant, who will have plenty of time to rest his injured calf.
A Game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals would be played May 27, giving Golden State seven full days off while that series plays out.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be played May 30. (Reuters)
