NBA Playoff Predictions - Round 2 (Semifinals)

Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs is here, and the matchups couldn’t be more electric. The Knicks have the toughness and depth to give the Celtics a real challenge, while my upset pick of the round is the Pacers pulling off a shocker over the Cavs. Out West, Timberwolves vs. Warriors has all the makings of a seven-game battle—barring any major injuries—and the same goes for the high-octane clash between OKC and Denver. Exciting, exciting matchups across the board. The stakes are high, and every possession matters. Who will punch their ticket to the Conference Finals? Let’s break it down.

Eastern Conference

#4 Indiana Pacers def. #1 Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 Games

My upset lock of the NBA Playoffs Round 2 is the Indiana Pacers knocking off the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. The Cavs, to me, are a textbook regular-season team. Their style and approach don't translate well to playoff basketball. Sure, Donovan Mitchell may go nuclear and average 40 a night, but playoff success demands more than individual brilliance.

The Pacers, on the other hand, have the pace, shooting, and depth to overwhelm Cleveland. Tyrese Haliburton is playing with poise and confidence, and the Pacers’ ability to stretch the floor will expose Cleveland's defensive rotations. Add to that the lingering injuries to Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De'Andre Hunter, and Cleveland's path to victory looks bleak. I just don’t see enough grit or versatility in this Cavs squad to hold off Indiana. Pacers in 6.

#2 Boston Celtics def. #3 New York Knicks in 6 Games

Don’t underestimate the Knicks. They’re tough, they rebound, and they’ve got Jalen Brunson, who has become one of the most clutch players in the league. New York will come out swinging, and I fully expect them to take Game 1 or 2 and put some serious pressure on Boston.

That said, the Celtics have too much firepower and too much depth. Their three-point volume is relentless, and if the Knicks can't defend the arc, they’ll be buried. The double-big frontcourt of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson could give Boston problems inside, especially if Porzingis remains hobbled and ailing, plus Horford has to log heavy minutes, but Boston's wings and guards will tilt the series.

It won’t be easy, and it won't be pretty, but the Celtics will grind this one out in six.

Western Conference

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder def. #5 Denver Nuggets in 7 Games

This is going to be an absolute war. The Nuggets are battle-tested, and Nikola Jokic is arguably the most unguardable player in the world. But the Thunder are deep, hungry, and loaded with defenders they can throw at Jokic and Murray.

While Jokic may still put up big numbers, I expect OKC to limit his scoring efficiency and force him into more of a facilitating role. With SGA playing like an MVP, the Thunder can match Denver shot-for-shot and stop-for-stop. This series will go the distance. In a tense Game 7, the youthful legs and aggressive perimeter D of OKC will be the difference.

SGA takes over late. Thunder in 7.

#6 Minnesota Timberwolves def. #7 Golden State Warriors in 6 Games

On paper, you might scoff at the idea of Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler going down in the second round. But this is the playoffs, and matchups matter. The Timberwolves have what the Warriors don’t: size, balance, and Anthony Edwards.

Edwards is locked in and taking over games on both ends. Minnesota's frontcourt of Randle, Gobert, and Reid gives them a serious edge in rebounding, rim protection and play-making, something the small-ball Warriors simply can't handle over a 7-game series.

Golden State will fight—they always do—but Ant-Man is on a mission. First LeBron. Now Steph. Wolves in 6.

Conference Finals Await

If these predictions hold, we’re looking at a Celtics vs. Pacers matchup in the East, and Thunder vs. Timberwolves out West—four teams with drastically different identities but one shared goal. Let’s see who rises.

Stay tuned.