Western Conference Headlines: This is the beginning of a new chapter in basketball. Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant are sitting at home. Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are becoming household names.
Eastern Conference Headlines: The overarching headline continues to be injuries in the Eastern Conference. This time, it is Kristaps Porzingis of the title-favorite Boston Celtics.

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Celtics vs (4) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is into the second-round for the first time since the (second) departure of LeBron James and they had to battle to get there. The Cavs were in the only series to go 7 games and will have a quick turnaround to face the best in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics. The Celtics will notably be without Kristaps Porzingis, although they should be able to beat the Cavs without him. Expect a relatively easy series for Boston, although Donovan Mitchell may be able to steal a game.
Prediction: Boston Celtics 4-1

(2) New York Knicks vs (6) Indiana Pacers
New York and Indiana both advanced through the first-round of the playoffs in 6 games and I would argue both teams were the less talented team in their respective series. The Knicks and Sixers series was madness and each team stole a game they should not have won. Joel Embiid was clearly not himself and the Sixers were dominated by Hartenstein and Robinson on the offensive boards. Indiana played the Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo and part of the series without Damian Lillard. Kris Middleton, who did play, was also battling injuries. Regardless, a win is a win and this second-round matchup does not have much appeal to me. The Knicks are the harder working and better team. The question is will Tom Thibodeau’s short bench cause fatigue as the playoffs continue.
Prediction: New York Knicks 4-1

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (5) Dallas Mavericks
The overall 1-seed Thunder are going to have their hands full with this matchup. Both Western Conference matchups feel like must-watch series, especially when compared to the less-interesting Eastern Conference matchups. The Dallas Mavericks actually enter this series as the slight betting favorite which should not be a surprise. Dallas has two all-league superstars who are playing incredible basketball right now and as I have continued to mention the defense is what has surprised me. Can this young OKC team matchup with the firepower and experience the Mavericks have?
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks 4-2

(2) Denver Nuggets vs (3) Minnesota Timberwolves
Three teams ran away in the Western Conference in the regular season and two of them matchup here. Denver beat the Lakers in 5 games, however, the Nuggets did not look to be in title form. Two of the games were won on last-second shots by Jamal Murray and the reigning champs will need more to advance any further. The Timberwolves made slight work of the Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. Anthony Edwards was the best player on the floor every. single. night. If AntMan plays at this level again alongside the deep supporting case with KAT and Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves can beat the Nuggets. And I think they will.
Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves 4-3