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2024-2025 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Picks

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The Boston Celtics broke the eastern conference two year championship drought and won the 2023-24 title. In response, the top teams added more stars and roster depth. The conference outside of Boston has a lot of teams that can make deep playoff runs similar to last year. Indianapolis could have another breakout season. New York and Miami desperately want a championship. Cleveland, Milwaukee and Philadelphia view anything less than a conference finals appearance a failure. It’ll be a fun and competitive regular season.

Time to break down which eight teams in the east have the best chance of making the playoffs.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics are the favorites to repeat their title run and win their league high 19th championship.

The reigning champs kept most of their deep roster. Boston will make the playoffs even if injuries are a factor. No other NBA team has this luxury.

Milwaukee Bucks

There are concerns over how Milwaukee improves with coach Doc Rivers and chemistry between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Luckily the Bucks have more than enough talent to clinch a top six seed.

New York Knicks

While the Knicks added more talent trading for Karl-Anthony Towns, New York’s strength is great coaching from Tom Thibodeau.

The Knicks made a bold trade sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns. The former first overall pick will have an interesting time learning coach Tom Thibodeau’s defense while giving the offense consistent scoring.

Miami Heat

Franchise star forward Jimmy Butler will lead a healthier Heat team into the postseason as long as Erik Spoelstra is the coach.

Indiana Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacer offense were number one almost all of last season. Many will tune in to see if Indiana can do it again.

The Pacers rode the league’s best offense to the conference finals and came up short in three of their four losses to eventual champion Boston. Viewers are excited to see how coach Rick Carlisle and his roster replicate last season’s success with the franchise stars signed long-term.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland’s another year better and closer to having their franchise stars in their prime. Last year’s postseason elimination taught them how to play more physical against better defenses, rebound better and the importance of second chance scoring opportunities. The Cavaliers will be tested by veteran teams but have enough talent to make the postseason.

Orlando Magic

No one attacks the basket harder than Orlando’s Paolo Banchero (5).

Orlando’s 2023-24 season was predictable. The Magic are a rising team with a lot of young talent learning how to win. Signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a good addition at shooting guard. Depth at center and power forward will help throughout the year.

Philadelphia 76ers

Although Philadelphia lost Tobias Harris in free agency, Paul George, Kelly Oubre and Reggie Jackson are the needed guard and forward depth that should take all the scoring pressure off center and former league MVP Joel Embiid.

Play-in losing teams: Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks

2023-2024 NBA Western Conference Playoff Picks

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The western conferences two year championship run snapped last season. After an interesting playoffs, Dallas lost in the finals 4-1. Most western teams made major moves once the offseason began. Viewers have interest in the stacked northwest division and how every team in the pacific could make the playoffs. Teams like Memphis could break out and have a longer playoff run. The conference champion Mavericks have a tough task to getting back to the finals.

That’s a lot to process, so let’s focus on which eight teams have the best chances of making the western conference playoffs.

Denver Nuggets

(Left to right) League MVP Nikola Jokic and teammate Aaron Gordon should have another dominant season.

League MVP Nikola Jokic wants payback after missing the conference finals. Denver’s depth makes them the top pick to clinch a playoff spot in the west.

Memphis Grizzlies

Injuries shouldn’t be a problem this season even if star point guard Ja Morant is suspended again. Memphis drafting Yuki Kawamura adds to an explosive offense and physical defense.

Phoenix Suns

This is an important year for Kevin Durant and Phoenix’s championship aspirations.

The Suns have a great trio with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Now they have the depth with Monte Morris and Grayson Allen at guard and forward. Phoenix needs a fast start and better chemistry after a wasted 2023-24 season.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota was great last year, but they could be better this season. Trading Karl-Anthony Towns was a great move because it brought in better players who are physical on defense and not afraid to drive to the basket on offense. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are upgrades at the forward positions while the Timberwolves kept their center and guard depth. Minnesota is a top contender for the first overall seed in the west.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was close in the league MVP running last year. Oklahoma City has a chance at a high playoff seed because of him running the offense.

The young Thunder were great last year. Then they traded Josh Giddey to Chicago for Alex Caruso. The veteran guard tandem of Caruso and last year’s highly praised league MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can elevate Oklahoma City into another top playoff seed and go further in the postseason. The Thunder also added depth at forward.

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas has one of the best guard tandems in the league and should get more contributions from center Daniel Gafford this season. The Mavericks will be fun to watch.

Golden State Warriors

Golden State’s Stephen Curry will have to do more after Klay Thompson signed with Dallas.

It’s a big year for the Warriors. Klay Thompson left in free agency and coach Steve Kerr has to give the younger players more minutes. We’ll find out how Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II and Andrew Wiggins adjust to these changes the first month of the season. Brandin Podziemski should have a breakout year starting at shooting guard.

Sacramento Kings

There’s too much talent for Sacramento not to miss the playoffs. Coach Mike Brown should have an easier season now that there’s better forward depth.

Play-in losing teams: Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs

2024 WNBA Semi-Finals Predictions

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What a fast first round of playoff basketball. All four teams that advanced swept their opponents and are closer to the championship. The semi-finals should be more fun and give us the best basketball we’ve seen all year. The two teams who win their series go to the championship round. It’s time to decide which two teams have the best chance of making the finals.

#1 New York Liberty v. #4 Las Vegas Aces

Vegas has to get more out of Chelsea Gray (12) in order to get past Sabrina Ionescu (20) and the Liberty.

True WNBA fans are excited for this special series. The sequel to last year’s finals matchup should be one of the most watched series of the playoffs. The unanimous MVP A’ja Wilson will battle against elite center Jonquel Jones for at least three games. Guard play will be fun and there will be a lot of points, rebounds and blocks.

New York swept the regular season series and always looked in control no matter how well Wilson played. The Liberty have better roster depth this year and it showed in each regular season win. The Aces might have the best player all-time in her prime, but it won’t be enough if their bench doesn’t step up.

Prediction: Liberty win series 3-1

#2 Minnesota Lynx v. #3 Connecticut Sun

Second best player in the WNBA Napheesa Collier will go against the league’s most physical defense for at least three games.

Liberty-Aces will gain more attention for many reasons, but this series should be the best in the semi-finals. Every game Minnesota and Connecticut played versus each other was close. The Sun are determined to win their first ever championship while it’s another stellar year for the Lynx under coach Cheryl Reeve.

Both teams have some of the league’s best players, but coaching in critical situations and championship pedigree plays a part in which team advances. Minnesota lost both of their games to the Sun before Connecticut traded for guard Marina Mabrey in August. The Lynx’s lone win was when Mabrey played more minutes. Reeve is known for adjustments late in playoff series and how to contain other team’s stars. The Sun are more determined but more likely to get into foul trouble and be easily frustrated in a longer series.

Prediction: Lynx win series 3-2

First round playoff predictions: 4-0

2024 NBA Finals Prediction

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The conference finals went faster than many expected. Dallas dominated Minnesota in five games while Boston swept Indiana. The Celtics lost only two games in three eastern conference matchups. Whoever wins this year’s championship deserves the praise and accolades. It’s time to break down which franchise has the best chance of winning a championship and raising a banner in the NBA’s 77th season.

#5 Dallas Mavericks v. #1 Boston Celtics

Boston and Dallas quickly eliminated the young and inexperienced Pacers and Timberwolves in the conference finals. After not playing for at least a week, both teams will start a chess match of a championship series. While there are many similarities with the star duos and both head coaches are in their first finals, the Celtics and Mavericks differ in roster depth, veteran experience in previous finals appearances and the number of possible adjustments.

Both Dallas and Boston have great guard duos, but the Celtics can counter with their talent at center and forward.

Dallas extending this series depends on how well elite guard duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving perform. Forwards P.J. Washington and Maxi Kleber have to play their best series with how much depth and talent Boston has at center and forward. Coach Jason Kidd must decide early in the series which offensive matchups he likes best and how the Mavericks will capitalize on more scoring opportunities.

There couldn’t be more pressure on coach Joe Mazzulla to win this round. Boston has more than size and experience advantages. It’s possible we see Derrick White guarding Doncic and Jrue Holiday locking down Irving most of the series. Dallas center Daniel Gafford will struggle against Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford, no matter who starts. Last but not least, the Mavericks have no answer for the forward duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Boston’s roster depth makes this a fast series. Coach Jason Kidd is limited in moves and matchup changes before the Celtics inevitably tire Dallas’ younger roster and secure a comfortable finals victory.

Prediction: Boston Celtics defeat Dallas 4-1 and win their 18th Larry O’Brien Trophy

2024 total playoff predictions record: 10-4

2024 NBA Western Conference Final Prediction

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The remaining two teams in the west had a long and fun second round. Dallas and Minnesota were more committed and better coached than the star-studded teams in Denver and Oklahoma City. While the Mavericks are on a roll, there’s a lot of hype on the Timberwolves after they eliminated the defending champion Nuggets. One of these two teams must advance to the championship round. Time to break down which one has the best chance to represent the west in the finals.

#5 Dallas Mavericks v. #3 Minnesota Timberwolves

A new era of the NBA is upon us. Get ready for the Luka Doncic v. Anthony Edwards narratives. Both players aren’t just franchise stars, they’re new faces the NBA wants to see take over the game in and outside the U.S.

While Minnesota won the regular season series 3-1, the one loss came when guard Kyrie Irving (white) played for Dallas.

Both teams have great guard duos and two-way production from their centers at both ends of the court. Everyone wants to watch Mavericks point-guard Luka Doncic and shooting-guard Kyrie Irving take on Timberwolves point-guard Mike Conley and shooting guard Anthony Edwards for at least six games. The older Irving and Conley will have their hands full on defense while trying to facilitate and elevate their offenses. If Doncic and Edwards have low-scoring games, they still impact the players around them with their play-making and passing.

Minnesota has a slight advantage outside the guard positions. Power forward Karl-Anthony Towns stunned viewers out-performing improved Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon last series. The nine year veteran played well on offense and improved defensively against the Nuggets. Sixth man of the year Naz Reid plays better each round and Jaden McDaniels can be a thorn against any opponent. Dallas’ P.J. Washington has struggled in previous rounds while Derrick Jones Jr. will have a hard time with McDaniels alone. Coach Jason Kidd should adjust his forward depth by playing Maxi Kleber and Tim Hardaway Jr. for longer stretches of time.

Both teams mirror each other from coaching to bench depth. To stay consistent with the other conference finals pick, it’s a better decision to go with the more determined, veteran team. Yes, Minnesota has the fundamentals to beat Dallas this series, but the Mavericks have more pressure to make the finals.

Prediction: Mavericks win the western conference and series 4-3

Western conference playoff picks record after two rounds: 3-3

2024 NBA Eastern Conference Final Prediction

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The remaining two teams in the east had an entertaining second round. Boston and Indiana were more committed and better coached than Cleveland and New York. The Celtics look unstoppable and the Pacers are on a roll led by coach Rick Carlisle. It’s the first time since 2011 Carlisle has both won a series and coached a team to a conference finals. They’re rewarded with a conference finals matchup against the league’s best team in Boston, who easily dispatched their first two opponents. One of these two determined franchises must advance to the championship round. Time to break down which one has the best chance to represent the east in the finals.

#6 Indiana Pacers v. #1 Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum (white) and the Celtics get their first, true test of the playoffs against Indiana.

After two easy series, Boston finally plays a fully healthy opponent. Indiana may have gone a full seven game series against the injured Knicks, but the roster’s surging at the best time. The league’s best offense has maintained their high scoring despite playing shaky defense at times.

The Pacers have solid depth with forwards Obi Toppin and Doug McDermott. Without center Kristaps Porzingis the first two games, the Celtics will rely on their guard quartet of Jayson Tatum, Peyton Pritchard, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown to score more. Backup veteran center Al Horford could struggle against Indiana’s Myles Turner on both sides of the ball, so the Pacers have to take advantage of their matchups in the first three games if they want to be in the championship round.

Boston has reached the conference finals six of the last seven years, advancing to the finals just once. Indiana’s a great offensive team but inexperienced despite coach Rick Carlisle being in the conference and championship round last decade. Franchise star Jayson Tatum can easily pick the Pacers defense apart with or without Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup. It will be a fun series, but there’s little doubt who wins.

Prediction: Celtics win the conference and the series 4-2

Eastern conference playoff picks record after two rounds: 5-1

2024 NBA Eastern Conference Second Round Playoff Predictions

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The first round was fun but didn’t have many surprises or upsets. Cleveland overcame an 18 point deficit (the largest game seven comeback in NBA history) to beat Orlando in a full, seven game series. Boston took care of Miami in five games. New York and Indiana have advanced further than at any point the past decade. The Pacers have a great offense and the Knicks a great defense to make a great series while the Cavaliers will be more of a challenge for the Celtics. Two of the remaining four will advance to the conference finals. Time to break down which of the two have the best chance to make round three.

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers v. #1 Boston Celtics

Donovan Mitchell (45) and the Cavaliers will be a tougher opponent against Jayson Tatum (0) and the Celtics than Miami was last round.

The easiest of the second round matchups, both teams are opposite in team depth, coaching and health. Cleveland center Jarrett Allen will be battling bruised ribs like he did at the end of round one. Depending on the minutes Allen plays, this could be another simple series for Boston. The Celtics might start veteran Al Horford at center if Kristaps Porzingis isn’t ready to play the first two games due to his calf injury. Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard are important role players the Cavaliers have to stop in critical minutes.

Prediction: Celtics win series 4-1

#6 Indiana Pacers v. #2 New York Knicks

Jalen Brunson (blue) has to propel New York’s offense to the conference finals once their defense stifles the Pacers.

A refreshing matchup where both teams haven’t played in the NBA’s second round in at least a decade. Both Indiana and New York have talented young rosters and great coaches. The Pacers have a franchise star in point-guard Tyrese Haliburton and quality talent with center Myles Turner and forwards Obi Toppin and Pascal Siakam.

The Knicks have one of the best starting rosters in the league. Guard duo Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo have great chemistry going back to their Villanova days. Forwards OG Anunoby and Josh Hart play well together. Center Isaiah Hartenstein could determine the series with his solid play on both sides of the ball. New York plays great defense and well-rounded offense. Indiana’s been one of the best offensive teams in the league, but they don’t play defense well and that will hurt them this series.

Prediction: Knicks win series 4-1

Eastern conference first round playoffs record: 4-0

2024 NBA Western Conference Second Round Playoff Predictions

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The first round was exciting and fun. Minnesota shockingly swept Phoenix. Denver barely led most of their four wins against the Lakers. Dallas and the Clippers had an entertaining series. Oklahoma City had no playoff jitters as they confidently swept the more experienced Pelicans. The Thunder and Mavericks will show viewers how close they are to becoming complete teams while Denver and Minnesota have the best second round matchup in either conference. Two of the remaining four teams will advance to the next round. Time to break down which of the two have the best chance to make the conference finals.

#5 Dallas Mavericks v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder

Dallas and Oklahoma City have great guard duos. Forward and center play will determine who wins this series.

The Mavericks and Thunder have many similarities but many differences. They have great starting guards who score at will. They have young, dangerous centers starting to find their rhythm on both sides of the ball. Dallas and Oklahoma City also have starting forwards facing a lot of pressure to defend well and score better. Both coaches also know how to get the best out of their improving rosters.

The differences are in expectations. The Mavericks face growing pressure to make a championship run with star guard duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving playing their best basketball these last three months. The Thunder’s starting five is the youngest in the league and hasn’t faced adversity in the postseason. Doncic and Irving have enough experience to help center Daniel Gafford, and forwards P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. gain advantages on Oklahoma City’s center Chet Holmgren, and forwards Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort. It will be interesting to see how both teams counter each other’s strengths and styles.

Prediction: Mavericks win series 4-2

#3 Minnesota Timberwolves v. #2 Denver Nuggets

Guards Jamal Murray (blue) and Anthony Edwards (white) will have one of the best series of their careers.

This could be the best NBA playoff series of 2024. Minnesota and Denver have split their last two regular season series and have the right players to counter each other. This could be the only Denver series we see a one-on-one matchup on Nikola Jokic, as he’ll be guarded by Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.

Nuggets guard duo Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have as much skill as Timberwolves guard duo Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards. You could go as far to say Conley’s experience and better defense presents a problem for Denver. Since Gobert can do what most teams can’t and cover Jokic by himself, Minnesota can double cover Caldwell-Pope or Murray (depending on who’s playing better each game). Roster depth will be more important since Sixth Man of the Year winner Naz Reid can play well at both power forward and center for the Timberwolves, and Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson can play both sides of the ball well when Murray rests.

The winner of this series will be decided on the play of Minnesota star forward Karl-Anthony Towns against Denver forward Aaron Gordon. Gordon’s played better each postseason series since he was traded to the Nuggets in 2021. He can play physical on both sides of the ball and is a consistent rebounding threat. Towns is a great three point shooter, but his rebounding and preference of playing away from the basket and interior poses a problem Denver can exploit further into the series.

Prediction: Nuggets win series 4-3

First round western conference playoff predictions: 2-2

2024 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Playoff Predictions

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The 2023-24 NBA regular season ended on a high note for the eastern conference. New York clinched the second seed in their final game before the play-in tournament. Indiana and Orlando are young teams that exceeded expectations and will use this postseason to learn how to improve for future playoff appearances. Most believe the east is Boston’s to lose. Milwaukee’s inconsistency even before hiring new coach Doc Rivers solidifies this belief. Regardless, four talented and competitive teams will advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.

#8 Miami Heat v. #1 Boston Celtics

While Jayson Tatum (left) will have one of the best statistical series of his career, it’s up to Miami’s Tyler Herro (right) to keep the Heat close in each game.

This couldn’t be a more lopsided series. Miami’s without star forward Jimmy Butler against the league’s best team. Boston’s starting five and their dangerous scoring depth makes this a one-sided matchup. No matter how well the Heat play, the Celtics will quickly advance to round two.

Prediction: Celtics win series 4-0

#6 Indiana Pacers v. #3 Milwaukee Bucks

Tyrese Haliburton (left) and the Pacers are heavily favored to sweep Giannis Antetokounmpo (right) and the Bucks after sweeping them in the regular season.

It’s not as easy a prediction Indiana will sweep their first round opponent like Boston will, but many expect it. Milwaukee didn’t win 50 games during the regular season after they hired Doc Rivers (they had 30 when Adrian Griffin was let go). The Bucks have regressed on defense since Jrue Holiday was traded to Portland for star point-guard Damian Lillard. Lillard’s also struggled shooting from three-point range most of the season.

Indiana decisively swept their central division rivals, and this was before they traded for forward Pascal Siakam mid-January. The Pacers averaged 123 points per game and were over 50% in field goal percentage in the regular season. Indiana never faced a dip in offensive production. That’s bad news for the Bucks.

Prediction: Pacers win series 4-0

#7 Philadelphia 76ers v. #2 New York Knicks

Former league MVP Joel Embiid’s still easing back into playing full-time minutes, but Isaiah Hartenstein and the Knicks have a shutdown defense that can frustrate Philadelphia.

This series would look different if 76ers franchise star center Joel Embiid was at full health and consistently playing 40 minutes a night. Since Embiid’s easing back into his major roles, New York will take advantage of this weakness and attack both the former MVP and Philadelphia’s complimentary players. Forward OG Anunoby and the guard duo of Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo will be too much for coach Nick Nurse’s adjustments.

Prediction: Knicks win series 4-1

#5 Orlando Magic v. #4 Cleveland Cavaliers

No matter who wins the series, both Paolo Banchero (5) and Donovan Mitchell (45) should play well and give audiences the best series of the first round.

The hardest series to decide a round one winner in either conference. Both Orlando and Cleveland are young and inexperienced, but play hard and are fun to watch. They have similar stats and both excel playing inside the three-point line. This will probably be a physical, seven game series.

If any side can claim an advantage, it would be the Cavaliers with guard Donovan Mitchell leading the offense. The Magic can counter with guard duo Gary Harris or Jalen Suggs, but it won’t be enough to contain Mitchell. Cleveland can counter Orlando’s star trio of Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner with their trio of Evan Mobley, Max Strus and Jarrett Allen. This puts more pressure on Harris and Suggs to score more than Mitchell, but that will be hard to do each game.

Prediction: Cavaliers win series 4-3

Regular season eastern conference playoffs and play-in prediction record: 6-2

2024 NBA Western Conference First Round Playoff Predictions

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The 2023-24 NBA regular season ended in anticipation for a thrilling western conference playoff race. MVP runner-up Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are the favorites to make a deep run to the championship while the young Thunder and Timberwolves want to prove they can compete and beat the best veteran teams left. No one should underestimate the resurgence of New Orleans, and Phoenix is still the team everyone wants out in order for a fair chance at the finals. Four talented squads will advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.

#7 Los Angeles Lakers v. #2 Denver Nuggets

Fans are blessed with another LeBron v. Jokic series, but it could mirror last year’s lopsided results after Denver’s game one win.

The easiest series out west. Nikola Jokic is an MVP front runner and his supporting cast of Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope outmatch LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell. Lakers coach Darvin Ham struggled to adjust against Jokic and Denver’s offense in every second half of their regular season games. Don’t expect that to change in the series.

Prediction: Nuggets win series 4-0

#8 New Orleans Pelicans v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder

If New Orleans wants to drag Oklahoma City into a long series, point-guard CJ McCollum (3) has to be their top playmaker.

Similar to Miami versus Boston in the east, New Orleans is without their star franchise player this series. Unlike the Heat, the Pelicans have a good amount of scoring depth to make their first round series fun. They’re also fortunate the west’s number one seed is both in their first playoff series and as young as the University of North Carolina’s basketball team.

If New Orleans has any chance of taking advantage of Oklahoma City’s young starting five, the veteran starters have to be their best players each game. Point-guard CJ McCollum has been phenomenal in previous playoff series, but he needs to get out of his scoring slump. Shooting guard Brandon Ingram and center Jonas Valanciunas can add more on offense and help slow down Thunder center Chet Holmgren and guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

The number one seeded Thunder had a top three offense, but their youth will make this a longer series compared to a more experienced team like Denver or Phoenix. The Pelicans are desperate to stay in the playoffs long enough for franchise star Zion Williamson to return. It might not be enough to slow down a resurgent and determined team coached by Mark Daigneault.

Prediction: Thunder win series 4-2

#5 Dallas Mavericks v. #4 Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles forward duo Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will be a great counter to Dallas guard duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

This was the first clinched matchup before the regular season ended. The series stars are Los Angeles forward duo Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, while Dallas counters with guard duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Two factors will determine the winner: coaching and which team can slow down the other’s elite duo. James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Terance Mann can counter Doncic and Irving with how their offensive playmaking, but P.J. Washington Jr. and Daniel Gafford might struggle against George and Leonard if this series goes more than five games.

Coaching favors Tyronn Lue over Jason Kidd. Lue’s been in harder situations ranging from championship finals experience to roster depth issues in previous playoff rounds. His adjustments will determine how many games the Clippers can beat Dallas.

Prediction: Clippers win series 4-2

#6 Phoenix Suns v. #3 Minnesota Timberwolves

If Phoenix wants to replicate their regular season success against Minnesota, they must attack the interior early and often.

The Suns dominated the Timberwolves during the regular season. Yet Minnesota looks different with guard Anthony Edwards and center Rudy Gobert elevating the team’s nightly performances.

There’s no doubt Phoenix forward Kevin Durant will play some of his best postseason basketball, but he’ll need more help from guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, forward Grayson Allen and center Jusuf Nurkic. The Timberwolves match up well against Phoenix’s starting five. Point guard Mike Conley and center Naz Reid bring the needed veteran presence and scoring depth. It depends on how franchise star Karl-Anthony Towns continues to ease back into heavy minutes and if he comes off the bench compared to his regular starting role. If Towns continues coming in from the bench like he did in game one, Phoenix will have a hard time winning the series.

Prediction: Suns win series 4-2

Regular season western conference playoffs prediction record: 5-3