Tank's NBA Second Round Preview

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Eastern Conference

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• 1. Detroit Pistons vs. 4. Cleveland Cavaliers
• Cavaliers in Six

It was a struggle, but the expected matchup is here. The Detroit Pistons were the best team in the Eastern Conference all season, earning the top seed with 60 wins. In the playoffs, they struggled, falling behind the Magic 3-1 and trailing by 20 points in Game 6 when the Magic lost the ability to make shots. The Cleveland Cavaliers, meanwhile, needed seven games to beat the Raptors, in a series in which the home team won all seven games.

The spin for the Pistons is that they found their game, and are now on track to reach the Conference Finals, as Tobias Harris led the way in Game 7. However, their lack of scoring depth remains a concern, especially facing a Cavaliers team led by Donovan Mitchell. Against Toronto, Mitchell, along with James Harden and Evan Mobley, all averaged near 20 points per game. The Cavs must play better on the road, which should not be that hard, as Detroit struggled in their own arena. Look for the Cavs to take the series in six games.

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• (3) New York Knicks vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers
• Knicks in Six

The Jersey Turnpike is going to be on fire, as these two rivals meet with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals on the line. The Knicks were expected to be here, finishing with the third seed, anticipating a rematch with the Celtics. However, the 76ers roared back from down 3-1 to stun Boston in the opening round. These two teams met in the first round in 2024, with the Knicks winning a hard-fought series in six games. 

For the Knicks, the pressure is on. The Knicks lost in the Eastern Conference Finals last season and have had championship aspirations all season under new coach Mike Brown. They performed as expected, taking the third seed in the East. After falling behind 2-1 against the Hawks, the Knicks hit the afterburners, winning three straight romps to reach the second round.

As always, health will be a factor for the 76ers as Joel Embiid has dealt with his share of injuries again. The longer the series gets, and the more physical the games get, the question becomes, can Embiid stay on the floor? The Knicks have been more judicious in managing minutes, and it began to pay off in the latter part of their series against the Hawks, as they recorded one of the biggest blowouts in NBA Playoff history in Game 6. With the Knicks' depth being the biggest edge, look for New York to advance in six games.

Western Conference

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• (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Los  Angeles Lakers
• Thunder in Four

Storm clouds hang in the West as the Oklahoma City Thunder are rolling. The defending champions look like a team determined to repeat. They have been the best team in the NBA since the start of the season and continued to flex their muscles by sweeping the Suns in the first round. The Lakers limped into the postseason, but managed to take advantage of a Rockets team that was also struggling to get Kevin Durant on the floor. LeBron James made some big shots as the Lakers advanced and got Austin Reeves to return. However, with Luka Doncic still unable to play, it is hard to see them competing with the superior OKC team. Unless LeBron can find some water from the fountain of youth, this one has sweep written all over it. Look for the Thunder to dominate from start to finish. 

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(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves

Spurs in Six

The San Antonio Spurs are back. A dynasty that won five championships, the rebuild did not take long as they landed Victor Wenbanyma in the draft lottery. Wemby is quickly becoming the best player in the league, as he has captured Defensive Player of the Year with a unanimous vote. In the first round, Wemby suffered a concussion, but recovered quickly as the Spurs took down the Blazers in five games. 

The Timberwolves had a tougher path into this matchup as they needed to beat the Nuggets. After losing the opener, the T-Wolves found their footing and took a 3-1 series lead, but lost two key players when Anthony Edwards sprained his knee, and Donte DiVincenzo tore his Achilles. They managed to grit it out and win the series in six games, but come into the match-up with San Antonio shorthanded with Anthony Edwards, unlikely to play in the first two games in San Antonio.

How the Wolves can perform without Ant will determine if they have a chance to threaten the Spurs. By hook or by crook, they need to keep their heads above water in the first two games. If they can steal one of these games, they would become a live dog. However, if they roll over and play dead, the series will be over quickly. Even when Anthony Edwards returns, it will be hard to get backk to full stregenth against a tough team like Wemby and the Spurs. The Wolves will show spirit, but will eventually fall in six games.