Second Round Predictions

1 Detroit Pistons vs. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers

The Pistons and Cavs had similar first round series. It took them 7 games to beat teams they were expected to handle easily and played some ugly basketball at times in the process. This will be a close series, but ultimately Cleveland’s experience gives them the edge.

CAVS IN 7

3 New York Knicks vs. 7 Philadelphia 76ers.

I wrote an in depth analysis of this series here

KNICKS IN 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 4 Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers overcame injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to beat the Houston Rockets in the first round. While Reaves is back, Doncic supposedly hasn’t even started running yet. No Doncic, no upset. The Thunder become the first defending champ: to advance to the conference finals since 2019.

THUNDER IN 5

2 San Antonio Spurs vs. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves

This is an example of youth vs experience as the Timberwolves have made back-to-back conference finals and the upstart Spurs just won their first playoff series since 2017. However, injuries also loom large over this series. Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmo are listed as questionable for the Wolves, while Donte DiVincenzo is out for the rest of the playoffs and a good chunk of next season with a Torn Achilles. While it’s tempting to pick the upset, Edwards health gives the Spurs the upper hand.

SPURS IN 6