Surprise! I’m doing NBA info, but it’s quick and only one. I’m not a huge NBA fan, but I’m a lowkey, big NBA fan. I gained some info and knowledge post-Super Bowl and pre-All-Star weekend. Once men’s and women’s NCAA Basketball Tourneys, I gained more info prior to the playoffs.

Whether it’s all there or not, I did enough research to have an idea of the potential chances all 16 teams have at winning the title. While we all assume the 8th seeds won’t advance, let’s not underestimate them. Anything can happen and all it takes is luck. I still remember the Andre Iguodala-led #8 76ers upset over a Derrick Rose-led Bulls when Rose went down with an ACL injury in the first round. Here’s the 16 NBA playoff teams looking to be crowned the 2024-2025 champions (while hoping OKC finally shines).

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE

The East is all about the Cavaliers and Celtics, but surprises could loom depending on the situation and health. The Pacers are cooking at the right time and could make the second-round winner sweat. The Bucks seem vulnerable right now, but huge news of Lillard’s potential return could give Milwaukee a much-needed boost depending on their round duration. The Pistons surprise with a playoff appearance while the Magic return hoping for a major upset over the championship defending Celtics. As for the Knicks, can they avoid any setbacks and outplay tough competition for an NBA Finals appearance? Miami may have no place in the playoffs without Butler, but Tyler Herro could have a place in the dictionary if the team causes a catastrophic upset against the Cavs and make a deep run.

#8 MIAMI HEAT (37-45)

#7 ORLANDO MAGIC (41-41)

#6 DETROIT PISTONS (44-38)

#5 MILWAUKEE BUCKS (48-34)

#4 INDIANA PACERS (50-32)

#3 NEW YORK KNICKS (51-31)

#2 BOSTON CELTICS (61-21)

#1 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (64-18)

WHO WINS THE EAST???

My thoughts are between the Cavaliers and Celtics. The Cavs are a dangerous team, but it’s hard to go against Boston with their playoff history. I believe the Celtics come out of the East, but it’s feeling like a grueling 7 games in the conference finals, and endurance will play a massive part.

NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE

The Western Conference feels as wide-open as last season’s. The Thunder dominated the regular season with the best record this season and in franchise history and went on a 24-4 run since the All-Star Break. Let’s not count out those pesky Lakers after adding Luka into the lineup. Same can be said about the Warriors with the addition of Jimmy Butler. If both get this far, the second-round matchup should be the best matchup of the playoffs. We also can’t count out the Nuggets despite coaching changes, while their Northwest counterpart Timberwolves have a motivated Anthony Edwards with Olympic experience. And how about those Clippers? Can they be the team that shocks the entire Western Conference? We shall see. Then, there’s the young and up-and-coming Houston Rockets led by rising star Jalen Green and former Celtics coach Ime Udoka. This might be the team with the biggest chip on their shoulder and the hardest out in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies return after missing out last season with injuries and other issues. Ja Morant could shock the conference, but he needs all the help he can get while keeping his hands clean of all his “weaponized props”.

#8 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (48-34)

#7 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (48-34)

#6 MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (49-33)

#5 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (50-32)

#4 DENVER NUGGETS (50-32)

#3 LOS ANGELES LAKERS (50-32)

#2 HOUSTON ROCKETS (52-30)

#1 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (68-14)

WHO WINS THE WEST???

I’m respectfully biased of my OKC. They’re armed with deep talent made up of youth, talent, experience, and All-Stars to make a deep run. This would be their first finals appearance since 2012 in the Westbrook/Durant/Harden-era. Even if this era is different, they’re legitimate finals contenders with a lethal offense and stingy defense led by SGA, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, and former Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein. However, the conference is wide-open and seven other West teams are capable of spoiling their opportunity.