/https%3A%2F%2Fgreatestshot.com%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F04%2FUSATSI_25882135-scaled.jpg)
1. Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum is arguably playing the best basketball of his career. As an all-around player, Tatum has solidified himself as an elite two-way talent. There aren’t many matchups that he can’t exploit. As a No. 2 option, Jaylen Brown is a bit down from a statistical standpoint. The 2024 Finals MVP has always stepped his game up in the postseason. Despite two teams having a better regular season record, the Celtics still boast the league’s best starting lineup. Beating this team four times in seven games will be no easy task.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
A stellar season for the Thunder is looking to be capped off with a title run. Oklahoma City finished as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the second season in a row. It’s been a cruise for the last few weeks as they opened up a massive lead on the rest of the conference. With their recent win over the Lakers, the Thunder clinched the most double-digit wins in a single season with 51. Boasting the league’s best defense, and the likely MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have the personnel to match any opponent.
Ultimately, their playoff hopes hinge on the play of Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Last year, Gilgeous-Alexander was arguably the best player on the floor during the series loss to the Mavericks. His game doesn’t diminish in the postseason. However, teams will pack the paint and load up against the All-NBA talent. It will be up to Williams, Holmgren, and others to produce in those situations.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have been excellent in their first year under head coach Kenny Atkinson. With the league’s best offense plus a top-10 defense, this is a group that can make a serious run. Although they’ve always been good players, the continued development of Evan Mobley and Darius Garland has played a big role in Cleveland having the No. 1 record in the Eastern Conference. And, they can always count on Donovan Mitchell to get a bucket when needed.
Having home-court advantage over the Celtics in a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup cannot be overlooked. The Cavaliers had a furious comeback the last time they played back in February. They won’t back down from the defending champions and are somewhat flying under the radar entering the postseason.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Any team that has Luka Doncic and LeBron James has a chance in the playoffs. LA’s two stars are built for postseason success. When the game slows down, Doncic and James flourish as scorers and playmakers. Having both allows coach JJ Redick to stagger them in lineups. Opponents will have to face off against either Doncic or James for 48 minutes every game.
The Lakers’ depth will be tested as the postseason wears on. Austin Reaves has proven himself in the playoffs before. Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent will be asked to be knockdown shooters and lockdown defenders. Jaxson Hayes has played well, but Redick has preferred small-ball lineups without a traditional center. Can a 40-year-old James hold up through multiple series? This team is a wild card, but cannot be counted out of the race given its two stars.
5. Golden State Warriors
Butler has an impressive playoff resume in his own right. He can fill a number of roles for this Golden State team, but he’s also shown that he can carry a group offensively for stretches. Outside of the main cast — Curry (36), Butler (35), and Draymond Green (34) — the Warriors have a ton of young guys in the rotation. They’re counting on Brandin Podziemski (21), Jonathan Kuminga (22), Moses Moody (22), Quinten Post (24), and Gui Santos (22) to give them quality minutes. The play from that group could determine Golden State’s playoff fate.
