The regular season ended Wednesday, with some great drama to end the season. The Utah Jazz lost a must win game against the Memphis Grizzlies, so the Los Angeles Lakers clinched a playoff spot before they even took the court for their final game. The Lakers still played hungry though, and they ended up beating the Houston Rockets in overtime to move up to the #7 seed in the west, dropping the Rockets to the #8 seed. Now the fun begins.

Some critics may argue that the playoffs are too long, or that too many teams qualify for the playoffs (16 out of 30 teams get in). I’m not one of them. My basketball passion reaches a frenzy during March, as I watch the NCAA tournament, and just as my passion is starting to wane, I’m treated to the NBA playoffs. Some call it the second season, because it actually feels and looks different from the regular season. Defense is better, fast breaks are limited, and teams get plenty of rest days to tweak their strategies and game plans. Beating a team once is much different than playing them in a 7 game series.

We can all agree that the Miami Heat are the team to beat in this year’s playoffs, with the #1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder a close second. Looking at the Vegas odds to win the championship, they seem to believe that no team other than the Heat and Thunder really have much of a chance to win it all.

Odds To Win NBA Finals (via Bovada.lv)

Miami Heat 2-3
Oklahoma City Thunder 9-2
San Antonio Spurs 17-2
New York Knicks 15-1
Denver Nuggets 22-1
Indiana Pacers 22-1
Los Angeles Clippers 22-1
Memphis Grizzlies 35-1
Los Angeles Lakers 40-1
Chicago Bulls 50-1
Boston Celtics 60-1
Brooklyn Nets 60-1
Golden State Warriors 100-1
Houston Rockets 100-1
Atlanta Hawks 125-1
Utah Jazz 250-1
Milwaukee Bucks 300-1

At the first jump ball, all those odds go out the window though, as teams will do their best to win and advance. Make sure to follow your contender here as they battle towards the NBA finals.

What an amazing past 2 months filled with NHL and NBA Playoff action! Almost every night had a game that came down to the final shot or overtime. In the end, the Boston Bruins and Dallas Mavericks took home the titles. Here’s a quick look back on some of the best of the 2011 NHL and NBA Playoffs.

NHL

Best Series: Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Any time a team comes back from being down 3-0 to force a game 7, you know it’s a great series. Add in the two clubs’ recent rivalry, and that both games 6 & 7 went to overtime, and you have the recipe for the best series of the 2011 playoffs.

Breakout Performance: Brad Marchand

This rookie put up 19 points in 25 games! Not enough for you? In game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, he posted 2 goals and an assist!

Biggest Surprise: The Capitals get swept in the Conference Semi’s

A year removed from being upset after having a 3-1 series lead, the Capitals again earned the #1 seed only to be swept by the Lightning.

Most Memorable: Tim Thomas’s hit on Henrik Sedin

A defining play by the Finals MVP. Thomas put a huge hit on the Canucks superstar. Henrik Sedin will never live this down. Check out the hit here.

NBA

Best Series: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies

This terrific series highlighted two up & coming teams in the West. The 7 game showdown was extra special for the reason that it showcased two small market teams with astonishing fan support. This match up should be a reoccurring series for many years to come.

Breakout Performance: JJ Barea

It’s great for the game when a guy who looks like he could be your neighbor delivers under pressure. Barea had 7 double digit point games including 17 & 15 in the last two games of the NBA Finals.

Biggest Surprise: LeBron James’ Finals performance

This will go down as one of the most puzzling events in NBA history. The 2x NBA MVP only averaged 17.7 ppg, which was the largest drop off in points from a regular season to an NBA Finals in history.

Most Memorable: Dirk Nowitzki’s Playoff performance

His playoff performance catapulted his resume from NBA superstar to NBA legend.

Congratulations again to the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins and NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. Make sure to head to FansEdge for all your championship gear!