Complete NBA Second-Round Predictions

The first-round of the NBA Playoffs saw six of the eight series go 6+ games with three series having Game 7s. Even though some of the individual games were lopsided, the overall competition was exciting across the board. As we head into the second-round, you can almost guarantee the level of competition will increase. Which matchup are you most excited for in the Conference Semifinals?

Eastern Conference

(1) Detroit Pistons vs (4) Cleveland Cavaliers
Call it what it is, the Pistons were a disappointing 1-seed in their first-round matchup with the Magic. Granted, Orlando had some injury issues throughout the year that caused them to be a lower seed than the talent on their team would otherwise indicate. Even considering that fact, Detroit was exposed for not having any real scoring options besides Cade Cunningham. It really seemed like Detroit would not advance, but in the end they gutted it out.

Detroit’s Conference Semifinal opponent similarly underperformed in round one. When Cleveland traded for James Harden, they had NBA Finals aspirations. The Cavaliers lost in the second-round the last two postseasons, and this move was not made to have the same year-end results. They were taken to Game 7 by a significant underdog in the Toronto Raptors. Throughout this series, we saw Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley all struggle and play inconsistent basketball. The fact they have such a wealth of talent is what allowed them to weather the storm. Can they play more consistent ball in this next series?

Regardless of the early struggles, one of these teams, Pistons or Cavaliers, is going to make the Conference Finals. Cleveland has not advanced that far since LeBron left (for the second time). And for Detroit, their last Conference Finals appearance was in 2008. Based purely off the talent on the roster and having watched Detroit struggle so much offensively against Orlando, Cleveland should have the edge. Harden and Mitchell can alternate putting up points and Mobley and Allen provide a strong defensive front court.

Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2

(3) New York Knicks vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers
WE DID IT! The Sixers finally beat the Celtics! Sorry, that has to be the lead for a Philly-based writer who has not seen his team beat Boston in the playoffs in his lifetime.

Now that we got that out of the way, we can talk about the Knicks. New York had a bit of a scare with the Atlanta Hawks in the first-round, but they were clearly the better team. The Knicks two losses in the series came by literally one point in each game. And they beat the Hawks by 11, 16, 29, and 51(!!) points in their four wins. So even if the total series record seems close, the actual basketball favored the Knicks heavily (+105 point differential). New York looked impressive on both ends of the floor and showed why they are the current favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference. Jalen Brunson and KAT played complimentary ball and the role players did their jobs.

WE DID IT! I mean come on, let’s put it in perspective. The Sixers beat the Celtics in the playoffs for the first time since 1982. That’s 44 years for you non-math majors. Philly also came back from a 3-1 deficit for the first time in franchise history, having been 0-18 in that situation previously. Even more, they became only the 14th team in NBA history to ever come back from 3-1. And if any Boston fan wants to say that Jayson Tatum did not play Game 7, you do realize Joel Embiid did not play Games 1 through 3. Everyone needs to channel the energy from Embiid in his Game 7 postgame press conference. Let’s collectively “thank number 11”.

New York versus Philadelphia is likely the most exciting Conference Semifinal matchup. Similar to Boston, New York is one of the least welcome teams in the City of Brotherly Love. There is notably no love lost between Joel Embiid and Karl Anthony-Towns who, have a history, to say the least. Something very important to recognize about this Knicks roster, is that it was put together to beat the Celtics. New York matches up very favorably with Boston and proved as much last year when they beat them in the postseason. Unfortunately, the Knicks do not match up as well with the Sixers. Both teams have balanced offenses and stretch the floor with ease. However, Embiid is a mismatch for both KAT and Mitchell Robinson and with the shooting prowess of Philly, Brunson is going to be exposed on defense. Buckle up, because this series is going to be a fun ride!

Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers 4-2

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (4) Los Angeles Lakers
After sweeping the Phoenix Suns, the Thunder are going to end up having over a week off before starting their second-round series with the Lakers. OKC beat Phoenix by an average of 17 points per game and was in command every quarter of every game. So just because they have not been on your television lately, do not forget about them. In the first-round, they were the most impressive team and looked near impossible to beat. Underestimate OKC at your own risk.

Speaking of underestimating, let’s talk about 41 year old LeBron James. Can we please keep receipts for everyone on ESPN giving the Lakers zero chance to beat the Rockets without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves? Name names! I will forever say, star players may not always get better playing alongside LeBron, but everyone besides the elite players, get exponentially better next to him. In the first-round, you can take Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton as proof. Reaves is now back, but Luka’s uncertainty for the second-round is 100% the difference maker.

The youth and depth of the Thunder are going to cause serious problems for the Lakers with or without Luka. However, with Luka, this series will be much more watchable. Everything in me wants to see LeBron turn back the clock for one more run at an NBA Championship. The problem is, in this second-round matchup, the Lakers will be playing the best of the eight teams remaining in the Playoff field. I think LA could beat a couple of the teams, but unfortunately not OKC. They are a train that you do not want to get in the way of. (Prediction below is with the expectation that Luka will not return soon).

Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 4-1

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
San Antonio was clearly the better team in its’ first-round matchup and only dropped a game to Portland because Victor Wembanyama was out a game due to a concussion. There were times throughout the series where the Spurs’ youth was evident, but over the course of four quarters they were able to right the ship. San Antonio may not have that luxury against a more experienced team, especially one that has made the Conference Finals the last two seasons.

As was billed, the Timberwolves versus Nuggets first-round series was a great watch. That became surprising after Minnesota lost its’ starting backcourt of Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries. Edwards is expected to return for Game 1 against San Antonio, but DiVincenzo is out for the year and likely most of next year too. Ayo Dosunmu also missed the closeout Game 6 for Minnesota and they still won. If Ayo and AE can return healthy, it would be hard to pick a favorite heading into this series.

After watching Rudy Gobert step up and defend Nikola Jokic admirably, it will be interesting to see how he guards his fellow countryman, Victor Wembanyama. There is obviously familiarity there from the two being teammates on the French national team. With that said, I believe this series will be won by the backcourts, not the front courts. What form will Anthony Edwards be in when he returns? Are the lights too bright for Stephon Castle and rookie, Dylan Harper?

Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves 4-3