Updated Odds for Every Conference Finalist to Win NBA Title

And then there were four.

The 2012 NBA playoffs have offered a slight sense of brevity, but the ups and downs of this heart-racing postseason cannot be forgotten. From the Miami Heat falling behind 2-1 against the Indiana Pacers to the Boston Celtics relying on another Rajon Rondo triple-double to knock off the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7, the Eastern Conference has had its fair share of excitement.

Out west, the San Antonio Spurs have moved on to 9-0 in the postseason, and the Oklahoma City Thunder have defeated the past two NBA champions en route to their second consecutive Western Conference finals appearance.

No matter where you turn, there's something to catch your eye and keep you captivated.

So how does the NBA top this? With two potential seven-game series to decide which team will be NBA Finals-bound.

Here's a list of the updated odds on who may make that honorable appearance.

Boston Celtics

Current Series: 0-0 vs. Miami Heat

It wasn't pretty, but the job got done.

After struggling to find consistency against the Philadelphia 76ers, thus failing to win consecutive games at any point in the series, Rajon Rondo did what Rajon Rondo does and posted a Game 7 triple-double: 18 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds and a complementary three steals, to be exact.

The game found its turning point with 2:48 left when Rondo hit a 23-foot jump shot, following it up with a 27-foot three-pointer—and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.

This was all part of a 9-2 Celtics run that began at the 3:39 mark and saw Rondo score all nine points.

In other words, Rajon Rondo beat the 76ers in the fourth quarter.

In order to beat the Miami Heat, Rondo will need to do this at least four times. The Celtics live and die by his effort and production, thus calling into question their ability to win without him. Against the Heat, albeit undermanned, they won't.

Rondo holds the key to this series and the Big Three's final title run.

Updated Title Odds: 8/1

(Last Week: 8/1) 

Miami Heat

Current Series: 0-0 vs. Boston Celtics

The Miami Heat got quite the fight from the Indiana Pacers, winning two games by single digits and losing another by 19 points.

Nevertheless, the Chris Bosh-less Heat emerged victorious in six games, thanks to Dwyane Wade and LeBron James' brilliant play.

For those wondering how this could happen, don't forget that the Heat's original plan was to pair two star players together and chase a title. Also don't forget that LeBron James has led a team to the NBA Finals as the virtual lone wolf, while D-Wade has won a title in a similar fashion.

As the Heat prepare to face the Boston Celtics, who have had their number throughout the season, James and Wade must prepare for a similar burden.

Bosh's timetable for a return remains uncertain, as does the quality of play the Heat's role players will produce. While the Celtics' fate rests in Rajon Rondo's hands, the Heat's only chance is to receive Dwyane Wade and LeBron James' best on a nightly basis.

Updated Title Odds: 9/4

(Last Week: 8/1)

Oklahoma City Thunder

Current Series: Down 1-0 vs. San Antonio Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been as impressive as any, taking care of business in eight of their first nine postseason games before losing to the San Antonio Spurs Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

While the Spurs certainly offer the Thunder a much more difficult battle than their meetings with the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, as evidenced by their Game 1 defeat, this team cannot be counted out.

Not when you have the scoring champion, Sixth Man of the Year and the league's leading shot-blocker all on one team, and especially not when you've yet to mention Russell Westbrook, whose poor shooting performance in Game 1 is likely to be overcome if recent history tells us anything.

It will be a struggle, for sure, but this series is far from the shoo-in that many experts have written it out to be. This is a potentially legendary series with a great chance of being won by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Updated Title Odds: 5/2

(Last Week: 8/1)

San Antonio Spurs

Current Series: Up 1-0 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The San Antonio Spurs' postseason record improved to a perfect 9-0 after they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 by a count of 101-98.

Tony Parker put up 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Tim Duncan added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Then some guy named Manu Ginobili decided to drop in 26 big points. Guess he has some left in the tank after all.

The San Antonio Spurs have now won 19 consecutive games and are an unbelievable 44-4 in the last 48 games Parker has played in.

The Miami Heat may have the star power, but no one is set to win a title like San Antonio. This is one of the best teams we've ever seen, and a title would solidify that status.

Updated Title Odds: 6/5

(Last Week: 8/1)