The NBA is gearing up for another exciting playoff season, with the Boston Celtics aiming to make history by winning consecutive titles. This goal has not been achieved since the Golden State Warriors did it in 2017 and 2018. The playoffs will kick off on Saturday, starting a thrilling two-month journey for 16 teams.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, with an impressive 68 wins this season, are the favorites to take home the championship. They set a record by outscoring opponents by an average of 12.9 points per game. From the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers, with 64 wins, will also be in contention, looking to capitalize on their strong performance this season.
The Thunder have not reached the NBA Finals since 2012, while the Cavaliers’ last appearance was in 2018, after LeBron James left for Los Angeles. In the past six seasons, nine different franchises have participated in the Finals, highlighting the league’s competitive balance. Both the Thunder and Cavaliers are eager to add to this list.
“This is what you compete for, to be on the biggest stage,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. His team is excited about their chances to showcase their talent.
Oddsmakers predict that the Celtics, not the Cavaliers, will emerge from the East to face the Thunder in the Finals. Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson expressed his team’s determination, noting their hunger to prove that they are contenders despite what the odds might say.
Other strong teams in the playoffs include the Lakers, led by LeBron James; the Warriors, with Stephen Curry; the Bucks, featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo; and the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic. Each of these teams has had past success and will aim to replicate Boston’s achievement from last season.
“We’re not defending a championship; we won last year, and that’s a fact,” Celtics forward Jayson Tatum stated. He emphasized the importance of staying focused on their first matchup against the Orlando Magic.
The first-round matchups are now set: Boston will face Orlando, New York will play Detroit, and Indiana will challenge Milwaukee in the East, while the West features Houston against Golden State, the Lakers versus Minnesota, and Denver squaring off with the Clippers. The Thunder will also be waiting to see who wins between Memphis and Dallas.
With multiple past champions in the mix, many players, including James and Curry, have been successful in their careers, each holding four titles. They both believe they have a strong chance to navigate the challenging Western Conference, especially with recent additions that bolster their teams.
“Facing him means a lot,” said Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards about competing against James. “It’s going to be tough but a great opportunity.”
A notable rematch from last year in round one includes the Bucks and Pacers, where the Pacers upset the Bucks last season. They’ll be facing a Bucks team missing Damian Lillard for at least the first game due to injury.
Other storyline highlights include the Nuggets, who are aiming for their second championship in three years, and the Detroit Pistons, looking to end a 14-game playoff losing streak that dates back to 2008. The Houston Rockets are also back in the playoffs after a five-year absence.
With the Thunder as favorites, and various strong contenders like the Cavaliers, Celtics, and others, a season full of excitement and surprises is on the horizon. As Curry puts it, “We have something to look forward to now, and I’m excited about the challenge ahead.”
