With the NBA playoffs upon us, the final stretch has set the stage for what’s expected to be an unpredictable and action-packed postseason. We’ve got a wide variety of teams capable of claiming the championship—some have been here before, while others might be unexpected contenders. As always, there are the favorites, but in this league, anything can happen once the ball tips off. The top six seeds in each conference present a fascinating mix of powerhouse favorites, breakout squads, and a few teams that may be living on borrowed time. So, let’s dive into each of these teams and assess just how far they’ll go.

Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers

This was the year the Cavs were supposed to put it all together. The roster looks stacked: elite rim protection from Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, scoring bursts from Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, plus an impressive bench. The issue? Their chemistry is still a work in progress. There’s no denying the talent, but they’ve struggled to maintain consistency when it matters most. Late-game execution and trust in clutch moments are still in question. Can they harness their full potential and come together when it counts? A deep playoff run is certainly possible, but whether they can make it past the second round is uncertain without significant improvements in the team’s dynamic.

Boston Celtics

The defending champs haven’t just maintained their elite form—they’ve sharpened it. The Celtics continue to look clinical, composed, and downright ruthless on both sides of the ball. With a roster filled with depth, elite defense, and a dynamic offense, Boston has the tools to repeat. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have turned into one of the league’s best duos, and their supporting cast keeps stepping up. With an almost flawless balance of scoring, passing, and defense, the Celtics have the best chance in the East. Anything less than a return to the Finals would be a major letdown. Their postseason pedigree and all-around consistency make them the top threat for another championship.

New York Knicks

The Knicks have gone from scrappy underdog to a team poised for a deep run. The acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns has unlocked a new level for their offense, bringing size and spacing to the frontcourt. But the heart of this team still lies in its defensive identity. They’ve always been known for their toughness, and this season, they’ve leaned into it even harder. Injuries derailed last year’s playoff push, but even then, they pushed Indiana to seven games in a series that could’ve gone either way. Now, with a fully healthy roster, the Knicks are well-equipped to make noise in the playoffs. Expect them to exceed expectations again, potentially making a deep run in the East.

Indiana Pacers

Indiana’s future rests firmly on the shoulders of Tyrese Haliburton. When Haliburton is firing on all cylinders, the Pacers look like a high-flying, unstoppable force. His playmaking and scoring abilities elevate the entire offense, while his court vision makes everyone else’s job easier. But when he’s neutralized by opposing defenses, the whole system grinds to a halt. While Pascal Siakam is a certified playoff performer who can carry the load for short bursts, he can’t do it alone. Expect them to either push through to a solid second-round showing or crash out early—there's little middle ground here.

Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard should be the ultimate pairing, right? On paper, they’re both MVP-caliber talents, and together they should be a dominant force. However, despite momentary flashes of brilliance, they’ve yet to fully click. Injuries have played their part, but it’s clear the Bucks haven’t quite found the right rhythm. Still, they remain dangerous. When both are in sync, this duo could easily tear defenses apart. But they’ll need to do some fine-tuning if they want to get past the top teams in the East. Expect them to make it to at least the second round, but don’t be surprised if they fizzle out early due to inconsistent play.

Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham has proven himself worth the wait—his breakout season solidifying him as the future of the franchise. But the Pistons are still in a rebuilding phase. While they boast a promising young core, including Cunningham, Jalen Ivey, and Isaiah Stewart, they lack the experience and depth to make a true postseason run. Size is a concern, and they’re still too green to compete with the more established teams. They might show glimpses of their potential, but a first-round exit is the most likely scenario. The Pistons’ time will come, but it’s not this season.

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly established himself as one of the NBA’s brightest stars, and this season, the Thunder have made a massive leap forward. OKC’s combination of speed, unselfish ball movement, and elite defense has made them one of the most exciting teams to watch. What makes them even more dangerous is their fearless attitude—this group doesn’t seem to understand that they’re supposed to be nervous. Their rise has come faster than expected, and the Western Conference Finals feels like their floor, not a ceiling. With SGA at the helm and a growing supporting cast, don’t be shocked if they make it all the way to the Finals.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, earning the No. 2 seed in the West. Their high-paced, small-ball, three-point-heavy approach has worked wonders in the regular season, but playoff basketball is a different beast. Houston relies on hot shooting, and if the threes stop falling, they’re in serious trouble. Against teams with stronger, more physical defenses, the Rockets’ offensive approach might not hold up. Their best-case scenario is a second-round exit, but a quick fall in the first round is entirely possible if they don’t get hot from beyond the arc.

Los Angeles Lakers

This is not the same Lakers team as last year. The addition of Luka Dončić has completely transformed their offensive identity. Luka has given LA the ball control and pace they were missing, and LeBron James has embraced his new secondary role, stepping up when necessary. The Lakers are finally a cohesive team, no longer weighed down by injury drama. They’re playing as a unit, and Luka has allowed everyone to find their rhythm. Expect the Lakers to make a serious playoff run, potentially reaching the Conference Finals. With this new-look roster, they’re a serious threat.

Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokić remains the NBA’s best player. He’s a triple-threat—scoring, passing, and rebounding like no one else, making his teammates better with every play. While the Nuggets don’t have the strongest supporting cast, they’re still one of the most dangerous teams in the West. Their strong core and Jokić’s dominance make them a real threat in the postseason. Expect Denver to make another deep run, with the Finals very much in reach. This team could lift the trophy again if Jokić remains healthy and continues playing at an MVP level.

Los Angeles Clippers

When healthy, Kawhi Leonard is widely considered one of the best players in the league. Paired with James Harden, the Clippers have the talent to compete with anyone. Despite showing flashes of dominance, their overall track record has been marred by lapses at critical junctures. With their championship hopes riding on their ability to remain on the court, the Clippers face a high ceiling—but a dishearteningly low floor. The potential for a Conference Finals run exists—but only if they can finally overcome their perennial issues with durability and cohesion. If not, a second-round exit feels like their likely fate.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards has quickly proven himself as one of the league’s top talents. But the loss of Karl-Anthony Towns looms large, especially heading into the postseason. Julius Randle brings toughness and scoring, but he doesn’t offer the same versatility or spacing, particularly against elite playoff defenses. Last year’s run to the Conference Finals was thrilling—but also entirely unexpected. Without KAT, and with their depth stretched thin, it’s hard to see Minnesota replicating that magic. A first or second-round exit feels far more likely this time around.

Final Thoughts

This year’s playoff field offers a little something for everyone: juggernauts, underdogs, and wild cards. The Celtics and Nuggets are clear favorites, but teams like the Thunder and Knicks are determined to prove they’re ready for primetime. The Lakers are a new-look threat, while the Rockets and Cavaliers are hoping their regular-season success wasn’t a fluke. With so many intriguing storylines, expect plenty of drama and surprises along the way. The beauty of the playoffs is in the unpredictability—and this year, chaos feels certain.