NBA Playoff Preview: Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
(3) New York Knicks vs (4) Indiana Pacers
Season Series: Knicks 2-1
Somehow in the final four in the NBA, the Knicks are the team that has most recently won the NBA championship (1973). The defense of the Knicks will need to show up, specifically OG Anunoby against former teammate Pascal Siakam and Mithcell Robinson against the bigs of the Indiana Pacers. On the Indiana side they need to keep up their intense offensive play. In their win over the Cavs, the Pacers passed the ball and used their incredible overall team offense to blow out the Cavs in multiple games. One interesting stat, the entire Knicks starting 5 have averaged more minutes than any starting 5 on the Pacers. Star power vs overall team depth will be the deciding factor in this series.
Prediction: Indiana in 6
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
Season Series: Ties 2-2
Anthony Edwards is one of the best young players in the NBA and is one those players who takes another step during the playoffs. He is already one of the top scorers in the playoffs in NBA history, but the Thunder were the best ranked defense during the regular season. OKC has multiple players to give Anthony Edwards a different look on defense throughout this series, and if Ant gets by those defenders Chet Holmgren will be waiting as secondary support. On the Thunders offensive side, they also have a very balanced attack, but they may want to see SGA take over some games. We have been saying it all year, OKC is deep and great on both ends of the floor.
Prediction: OKC in 7