The shortened NBA season has finally come to an end, and with four best-of-seven series in each conference, Ed Wyatt, our US Sports In-former, has a range of options for who might come out on top.

One thing to remember about NBA playoff basketball: in no way does it resemble regular season play.

Teams get more conservative, defense becomes more important and the so-called "half court game" becomes much more prevalent.

What does that mean?

Essentially it favours teams that can slow it down and isolate one or two key players, like the Lakers with Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum.

San Antonio is another team that benefits. Yes the Spurs are older, but they have three dangerous players - Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker - who are tough to guard in a half-court set.

On the flip side, a run-and-gun team like Oklahoma City will have to make some adjustments to a slower game. They have enough talent to win the whole thing, but will have to handle Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas in the first round.

Conference Markets
At the start of the season I was a big believer in both Miami and Chicago. I still think the Heat can be there in the end ($1.45 to win the East), but the Bulls are in a bit of trouble with injuries slowing point guard Derrick Rose. He'll bet in the starting lineup, but his effectiveness will be limited, especially if Chicago has to play a couple of long series.

I'd be tempted to lay the Bulls at $2.98. The veteran Celtics have been a surprise to most people, and while I'm not sure they have the legs to win it all, they might be worth a punt at $10.50.

In the West, the Spurs surprised me by winning the number one seed. They're definitely a force to be reckoned with, and worth a pop at $3.10. The Thunder is still a team I love and $2.40 is probably about right. The Lakers, who are always a playoff threat with Bryant (and now Bynum) are good value at $7.60.

NBA championship
The showpiece Finals series is weeks away, but I still think the Heat are the team to beat. They're paying $2.44, which is not too bad. I also like the Thunder at $5.90and the Spurs at $5.70 If you really want to go out on a limb, then take the Lakers at $11.50