NBA Playoffs Round Two Preview & Predictions: Celtics, Thunder, Warriors, Pacers Shine

The second round of the NBA Playoffs has arrived, and with it comes four intense matchups filled with drama, star power, and betting intrigue. In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll analyze each conference semifinal based on podcast insights from Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers, focusing on team trends, player performance, and betting strategies.

 Celtics vs. Knicks: Depth vs. Dependency

Season Series Recap

• Boston swept the Knicks 4–0 (3–1 ATS), scoring 118+ in every game.

• Three of the four games went Over the total.

Key Storylines

• Jalen Brunson carried New York in round one but cannot do it alone.

• Celtics have unmatched depth: Tatum, Brown, Porzingis, White, and bench strength.

• Boston’s rest period allows recovery from nagging injuries (Tatum’s wrist, Brown’s knee, Porzingis' cuts).

Betting Insight

• Game 1 spread: Celtics -9. Total: 213 points.

• Celtics are -800 to win the series.

• Recommended Plays: Knicks +9, Over 213, 1H Over 109.

 Thunder vs. Nuggets: Defense Meets Experience

Matchup Summary

• Season series split 2–2 SU and ATS.

• Thunder enter with 8 days rest; Denver just off Game 7 vs Clippers.

Thunder's Edge

• #1 defense in NBA, elite at defending without fouling.

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Alex Caruso anchor a disciplined squad.

• Caruso is #1 in EPM for defenders, per Dunks and Threes.

Nuggets' Path

• Nikola Jokic must dominate every game for Denver to contend.

• Denver's defense remains bottom-8 among playoff teams.

Historical Betting Trend

• Teams off a sweep vs. teams off Game 7 are 12–3 ATS since 2002.

Best Bet

• SGA to win WCF MVP (-165) offers strong value.

 Pacers vs. Cavaliers: Fast-Paced System vs. Star Reliance

Game 1 Recap

• Pacers won 120+ on the road, shooting 19 threes to Cleveland's 9.

• Cavs shot 9/38 from 3, Mitchell 1/11.

Team Trends

• Without Darius Garland, Cavs' offense lacks flexibility.

• Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen must assert dominance inside.

Pacers' Strengths

• Balanced offense under Rick Carlisle (Halliburton, Siakam, Turner).

• Fast pace and strong chemistry create matchup issues for Cleveland.

Series & Betting

• Game 2 line: Cavs -9.5, Pacers +170 series price.

• Suggested Bets: Pacers +9.5, Pacers team total Over 110.

Warriors vs. Timberwolves: The Battle of Experience vs. Confidence

Matchup Context

• Warriors won 3 of 4 in the regular season.

• Timberwolves dispatched the Lakers in 5 games.

• Warriors endured 7 games vs Rockets.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• GSW’s structured, playoff-tested offense led by Curry and Butler.

• Wolves depend heavily on Anthony Edwards, with inconsistent support.

Market Play

• Timberwolves -175 series favorite.

• DraftKings offers +370 for Wolves to win Game 1, Warriors to win series.

• GSW has 3rd-best net rating post-All-Star break.

Recommendation

• Hold off until after Game 1 to back the Warriors at better value.

Mackenzie’s Top 5 NBA Players (By Talent)

1. Nikola Jokic

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

4. Luka Doncic

5. (tie) Steph Curry / Jayson Tatum

 Final Takeaways

• Celtics and Thunder have elite depth and are favorites to reach the Finals.

• Knicks and Nuggets rely too heavily on Brunson and Jokic, respectively.

• Pacers' cohesion and flexibility make them a dangerous underdog.

• Warriors' playoff pedigree could carry them past the confident Timberwolves.