Eastern Conference
(1) Cavaliers vs. (4) Pacers
Prediction: Pacers in 6
- Why? The Pacers were top 3 in the NBA for points per game (120.2), they move the ball like crazy, and lead the league in assists.
- Tyrese Haliburton averages 9.2 assists, one of the best in the NBA.
- The Cavs are a defensive team, but they struggle when the game eventually speeds up. Indiana runs fast and spreads the floor with precision.
Key stat: The Pacers shoot 41.6% from three, top 5 in the league.
(2) Celtics vs. (3) Knicks
Prediction: Celtics in 7
- Why? The Celtics are top three in net rating (+9.4) and won 61 games this season, 2nd most in the league.
- They hit 37.8% of their threes, and when that’s working, nobody can keep up.
- The Knicks are a tough and physical team, with Jalen Brunson averaging 31.0 PPG in the playoffs! But Boston’s depth (Tatum, Brown, Porzingis, and White) wins the series.
Key stat: Boston ranks top 3 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Western Conference
(1) Thunder vs. (4) Nuggets
Prediction: Nuggets in 6
- Why? Nikola Jokic is a monster in the playoffs: triple-double machine and unguardable in the post game.
- The Thunder are a young and electric team, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.7 PPG), but Denver has the experience and a huge size mismatch.
Key stat: The Nuggets are +9 in rebounding margin per game, massive against a smaller OKC team.
(6) Timberwolves vs. (7) Warriors
Prediction: Timberwolves in 6
- Why? Minnesota has a top 5 ranked defense in the NBA. They hold their opponents to 109.3 PPG
- Warriors still have Steph and Klay, but they’re older and not as deep. Edwards, Gobert, and Towns give the Wolves an athletic, two-way punch.
- The Warriors have Steph and Butler, but they’re older and not as deep as Edwards, Gobert, and Randle. These players are athletic and bring a double blow for the Warriors.
Key stat: Wolves allow opponents to shoot just 35.6% from 3, top 5 in the league.