NBA Conference Finals Preview and Predictions

by Ale Menendez

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks celebrates a 3-point basket against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second-round playoff series at TD Garden on May 7, 2025, in Boston. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/TNS)

As the NBA Playoffs continue to ramp up, the last hurdle teams must jump over to reach the finals is here at last. It’s no secret that the NBA Playoffs up to this point have been surprising, but what the conference finals have in store could cause an even bigger surprise across the league.

OKC vs. Minnesota 

Two of the youngest teams in the league, the Thunder and the Timberwolves, came out of their quarter-final matchups surprisingly. For Minnesota, this came from the shock of just how quickly they were able to do away with the Warriors. Despite the Warriors not having their most valuable offensive weapon (and perhaps more aptly described as the offense itself), Stephen Curry, the Wolves were able to absolutely dominate the Dubs with the gentleman's sweep in 5 games. Although the star Anthony Edwards’ talent was surely present throughout the series (averaging 24 points per game), it was more the team chemistry and defense that allowed this team to make it through, with contributions from pickups such as Julius Randle and defensive juggernaut Rudy Gobert. 

As for the Thunder, the surprise in the quarter final wasn’t a result of dominance, but rather the opposite. Boasting the best record in the league this season (68-14), this team was expected to steamroll past the first and second rounds. However, when met with the opposition from reigning MVP and Champion Nikola Jokic, this expected dominance seemed to turn into fiction. Although the Thunder ultimately showed supreme play, dominating the Nuggets at home in game 7 by a score of 125-93, this team may not have the playoff experience necessary to make it to the next round and eventually hoist the Finals Trophy. 

However, a dazzling performance against the Wolves last night may have proved that the Thunder have indeed found their sweet spot and that their regular-season record is reflective of their skill. With Shai scoring 31 to lead this team to the win and lead the series 1-0. 

Ultimately, although the Wolves pose a major threat to the Thunder’s run to a title, one cannot deny the dominance that the Thunder have displayed all year. Although some poor shooting performance, offensive scheme, and defensive effort plagued the Thunder in the quarterfinals, I believe that this failure to meet expectations will only strengthen their game in the next round and help them to take down the talented and physical Wolves. 

Prediction: Thunder in 6 

The Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray (27) during the fourth quarter in Game 3 of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on May 9, 2025, in Denver. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/TNS)

Indiana vs. New York 

Perhaps the most surprising matchup so far in the NBA playoffs is that of the Pacers and the Knicks. With the teams coming into this year's playoffs as the 3 and 4 seeds, and knocking off the 1 seed Cavs and 2 seed Celtics, this is a matchup that no one foresaw. For the Pacers, this playoff push has been led by none other than Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Both averaging 18 points per game, leading the offense, this team is well-rounded and has proven able to overcome superstars like Donovan Mitchell. What’s more is that they defeated the Cavs (who were, in fact, the second favorite to win the finals this year) in just 5 games. 

For a franchise that hasn’t had much success in the past few years (or few decades), watching this Knicks team has been a breath of fresh air for actor Timothee Chalamet and all other die-hard Knicks fans. Led by Jaylen Brunson and new addition Karl-Anthony Towns, this team put up a legendary series against the Celtics. Beating the second seed and reigning NBA champions in 6 games, the Brunson and the Knicks finally proved that they may be able to get over the hump that they have faced in the playoffs in the last few years. However, the injury to Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum may have put an asterisk on this win as he went down in just game 4 of the series. Nevertheless, this Knicks team is hoping to ride their gritty attitude and the city’s momentum into another playoff win and hopefully all the way into the championship. 

With both of these teams having been underdogs in the prior series, it’s difficult to know which one will have the advantage when they go head-to-head. When it comes down to this series, I believe that home-court advantage will be a huge component. And with the Knicks getting to play at home first, I believe that the NYC fanbase may be able to provide them with just enough edge to win the series and make it to the finals 

Prediction: Knicks in 7 

Overall, this NBA Conference Finals may be the most surprising in recent years. Featuring many underdog teams, it really is anyone’s game at this point. The question is: which team wants it the most? And we'll find out the answer soon enough.