NBA Finals exact matchup odds: Fade Bucks vs. Lakers for these 3 pairings

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It's hard to predict what might happen when the NBA returns in Orlando next month, let alone predict the exact matchup in The Finals. If you can, though, there's serious value to be had.

The most obvious matchup - Bucks vs. Lakers - is also the least profitable, paying out a mere +300. The wildest matchups are an enticing +25000, though nobody should be expecting the Magic or Suns to pull off a Cinderella run. Instead, there are some noteworthy pairings worth targeting in the middle of the field.

Here are the exact NBA Finals matchup odds with three value plays to consider:

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Clippers (+2800)

If you've read our playoff previews for the East and West, you know how high I am on these two teams emerging from their respective conferences. The Clippers ought to be the favorites out West with their combination of star power, depth, and experience, while the Heat are built perfectly to stifle what the favored Bucks do best.

As with most of these matchups, you might be better off betting the Clippers (+200) and Heat (+1000) separately to win their conferences, but if you'd rather parlay those two bets together, the payout is worth the risk with these squads.

Toronto Raptors vs. Houston Rockets (+6000)

We have no idea what "bubble basketball" will look like once the NBA returns. Will it favor experience? Athleticism? Versatility? If any of those attributes matter, it's worth targeting a matchup between the Raptors and Rockets, who each boast plenty of playoff experience and ideal profiles to survive Orlando.

Toronto lacks an offense that transcends opposing schemes, but its defense should feast on opposing teams that likely won't be crisp after a four-month layoff. Houston has that same defensive potential and two all-world scorers to boot. Lean into the chaos with a matchup between two teams with clear identities and deep playoff experience.

Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks (+11000)

This is my favorite long-shot pairing on the entire board. The Mavericks are the best value in the West given their top-ranked offense and elite upside with Luka Doncic leading the way. Pair them with the Celtics, who have as much talent as anyone in the East.

Both teams would have to muscle their way past top-level interior scorers without a defense equipped to defend them. But hey, we're talking about 110-1 odds. If the bubble lends itself to a perimeter-oriented approach, you'll be sitting on a steal.

C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.