Round 2! The conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs have begun, and a three-series series has been decided. Who will win Nuggets vs. Timberwolves? Knicks vs. Pacers? Thunder Mavs?
And who will win Game 7 of the first round between the Cavs and Magic on Sunday and get a chance to play against the Celtics next? Our writers make their picks.
Round 2, Nuggets vs. Wolves: Who did we get?
Dan Devine: The Nuggets are in 7th place. Minnesota's defense and Anthony Edwards believe it's good enough to beat the league's best rival.But I knowThere's no question Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and others are good enough to do that. And in a series like a coin toss, that certainty is enough to lead me to the defending champion.
Vincent Goodwill: Nuggets lead by 6 points. This makes it a 2-2 series, with both teams winning on the other's home floor, and then the champions applying their experience and sweat to face an even tougher battle. Minnie is ready to take them down and this serves as Anthony Edwards' official coming out party featuring Jaden McDaniels. We can't wait, but this will allow Nikola Jokic and the rested Jamal Murray to reach their full potential.
Ben Rohrbach: Nuggets lead by 7 points. This was a high-pressure series, perhaps the biggest set outside of the Finals, and Denver was an automatic bucket in the opener. Anthony Edwards is an unbelievable player, but he's never been in a situation like this before. If you decide to bet on the Nikola Jokic fight, you do so at your own risk.
Jake Fisher: Nuggets in 7th place. Minnesota will pose the biggest, biggest and toughest playoff challenge Denver has seen since last year's championship run. The Timberwolves have the size to match the Nuggets' length. Minnesota is a defensive giant. Anthony Edwards is moving up in the standings, but a draw would go to the reigning champion.
Check out our preview of the Nuggets vs. Wolves series.
Round 2, Knicks vs. Pacers: Who did we get?
Fisher: Perhaps the Knicks will prove too battered and scarred after a six-game whirlwind with Joel Embiid and Philadelphia. But the three-day break before New York welcomes Indiana to Madison Square Garden is enough for Tom Thibodeau's 40-minute marathoners to regroup and take care of Tyrese Haliburton and others. It should be.
Divine: Knicks lead by 7 points. The Pacers are the NBA's No. 2 offense, led by All-Star facilitator Tyrese Haliburton, and are built to play beautifully. But these knicks are made to destroy beautiful things.
Rohrbach: Knicks lead by 6 points. Madison Square Garden is going to be an absolute beast — unlike anything this edition of Indiana has ever seen before — and the Knicks are tough enough to make the trip. Reggie Miller isn't walking through that door. Jalen Brunson and Nova Knicks are Wildcats.
Goodwill: Knicks lead by 6 points. I don't know how well the Flying Brunsons are playing or if they're just playing hard and playing well. A Brunson vs. Haliburton matchup would be fun and remind us of the rivalry of the '90s, but I don't think the Pacers have what it takes to give the Knicks more than a scare at MSG.
Round 2, Thunder vs. Mavs: Who did we get?
Rohrbach: 6th place Thunder. He's as talented as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who are also worthy of attention, but Oklahoma City is just as impressive and deep as a team. People are going to learn a lot about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylen Williams and Chet Holmgren, who play beyond their years.
Goodwill: No. 7 Mavericks. Call for an upset! Not because Dallas is better. Oklahoma City is dynamic and dynamic. Will the Thunder be desperate enough to match what Luka and Kyrie bring? They have Lou Dort and Williams guarding those two, Shy length on the wing and Chet at the rim. Wait, why am I complaining about being upset? That's only because Dallas recognizes a desperate moment and Doncic becomes the best player on the floor late in the game. However, I am not confident in this choice.
Fisher: Thunder by 7 points. The first round went exactly as advertised, dominating New Orleans without Zion Williamson getting in the way. OKC has the tougher task of matching the All-Star playmaking duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving that Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum had hoped for. But the Thunder, despite being young and inexperienced, simply know what the pros are looking for.
Divine: In this situation where absolute war is guaranteed, I'd rather Oklahoma City's cadre of perimeter defenders at least have Luka Doncic and Kyrie than I would trust Dallas' opponents to step on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. I think I trust Irving to work for everything. And Jalen Williams. In addition to that, OKC has home court advantage, which is what drew me to the youth ministry side.
Game 7, Cavs vs. Magic: Who did we get?
Goodwill: Cavaliers. Who remembers what I chose first? I don't think it will matter because even if we get to Game 7 as expected, this series has had so many unexpected twists and turns. How healthy is Donovan Mitchell? Because if he comes rushing back, this time at home, Orlando won't be able to handle it. I think Orlando is better, but that doesn't mean they can win the series. still. The home team is in 7th place.
Divine: magic. I chose Orlando before the series and I'm sticking with it now. Even in wins, Cleveland looked shaky. And in Game 6, the Cavs, without a player named Donovan Mitchell, made just 6 of 19 shots after halftime and won. scoreless The fourth quarter failed to inspire confidence. Orlando finishes his job and puts Cleveland in a very tough situation. very Interesting offseason.
Rohrbach: Cavaliers. It's no surprise that the home team won every game in this series, considering the lack of playoff experience on both sides (beyond Donovan Mitchell). There's an old cliché that role players perform better at home, and the Magic rely on them far too much.
Fisher: magic. Orlando had the worst regular season road record (18-23) among playoff teams, but the Magic clearly have what it takes to win in Cleveland. They were right next to Evan Mobley off duty for Game 5. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are ready for this moment. And Orlando was built with the motto that its defense travels. It's time to buck the trend.
