The intensity of the NBA playoffs is ramping up as the conference semifinals have tipped off. Three intriguing second-round matchups are set, along with a winner-take-all Game 7 showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic to determine who advances to face the Boston Celtics. Let’s break down each series:
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
This clash between the reigning NBA champion Nuggets and the up-and-coming Timberwolves is shaping up to be an epic battle. Denver is led by back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokić, an unstoppable force who dominated in the first round. But Minnesota boasts a dynamite duo of their own in Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, two supreme talents beginning to realize their vast potential on the biggest stage.
Most experts are leaning towards the experienced Nuggets prevailing, likely in a hard-fought 7-game series. Their battle-tested core of Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon know what it takes to win at this level. However, the Timberwolves’ stifling defense and athletic wings present the stiffest test Denver has faced since last year’s Finals run.
Ultimately, Denver’s championship pedigree and Jokić’s sheer dominance give them the slightest of edges in this toss-up matchup. But don’t be surprised if Edwards announces himself as the NBA’s next megastar by leading Minnesota to an upset for the ages.
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Madison Square Garden is sure to be rocking as the gritty Knicks host the upstart Pacers in an intriguing East semi. New York survived a bruising opening round war with Joel Embiid and the 76ers, emerging victorious despite losing players to injury along the way. Their physical, defensive-minded identity meshes perfectly with the system implemented by hard-nosed coach Tom Thibodeau.
The Knicks revolve around Jalen Brunson’s steady playmaking and scoring punch. But a deep supporting cast led by RJ Barrett, Julius Randle and Josh Hart allows them to overwhelm opponents with wave after wave of intensity. Their crowd creates an unmatched homecourt advantage.
Indiana presents a formidable challenge offensively with Tyrese Haliburton pulling the strings. The Pacers move the ball beautifully and have a knack for putting up points in bunches. They’ll need to cash in during those hot stretches, as scoring could be tough to come by against New York’s tenacious D.
In the end, the Knicks’ combination of physical play, depth and homecourt seems too much for the Pacers to overcome consistently for a full series. New York appears destined for the franchise’s first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since the 90s heydays of Ewing, Oakley and Mason.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks
Perhaps the most fascinating matchup pits two offensive juggernauts against one another. The Thunder rose up to stun the West this season behind breakouts from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Rookie of the Year Chet Holmgren. Their high-octane attack endlessly attacks from all angles with an array of scoring threats.
But OKC faces an enormous challenge in trying to slow the league’s premier offensive duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Dallas’ two superstars are capable of putting up monster numbers on any given night through a blend of physicality, skill and shot-making prowess. When they’re clicking, few teams can hang with the Mavs offensively.
The key for the Thunder will be utilizing their length and athleticism on the perimeter to make life difficult on Dončić and Irving. Defensive aces like Lu Dort and Williams have the tools to at least make the Dallas stars work hard for their production. At the other end, OKC’s motion offense and cutting will put immense pressure on the Mavs’ defense.
It’s a bit of a stylistic clash between the old-school star power of Dallas and the new-age ensemble cast in OKC. Home court could be the decisive tipping point in what projects as an epic seven-game thriller. The Thunder’s youth and upside give them a slight edge, but counting out Playoff Luka would be foolish.
Cavs vs Magic Game 7 Showdown
Before we can move ahead to the conference finals matchups, we have one unfinished first-round series to resolve. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Orlando Magic in the decisive Game 7 at home after an unpredictable, back-and-forth affair to open the playoffs.
The Cavs entered as the higher seed and favorite armed with a healthy Donovan Mitchell finally experiencing postseason success. But the talented Magic, led by rookie sensation Paolo Banchero and breakout stud Franz Wagner, have pushed Cleveland to the brink of an embarrassing first-round exit.
Orlando stole home court in the series by capturing Game 1 at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. That set the tone for a wildly inconsistent, momentum-shifting bout that now comes down to one final winner-take-all showdown on Cleveland’s floor.
You can make a compelling argument for either combatant prevailing in Game 7. The Cavs have home court and a proven playoff scorer in Mitchell. But the Magic have looked like the superior overall team for extended stretches while showcasing an ability to win tough road games.
Prediction-wise, most of our experts see this series finale as a virtual toss-up. A slight majority leans Cleveland based on Mitchell’s shot-making potential and home court edge. However, an upset picked by a couple writers wouldn’t shock anyone given how evenly matched these teams have proven to be.
Buckle up for what promises to be a wildly entertaining conclusion before we pivot ahead to the conference semis!
