After the first two games of each NBA Conference Finals have been played, here are my predictions.

Eastern Conference Finals: Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks

Pacers in 6. This historic rivalry enters its modern edition with new and familiar faces. Spike Lee and Reggie Miller will forever be faces for their respective teams. Yet, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton have taken up the mantle well.

Late game heroics by Haliburton in Game 1 hushed what has been an electric Madison Square Garden crowd. In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals the Pacers were able to pull off the 114-109 upset.

The Knicks must respond and win games on the road for them to make their first Finals appearance since 1999. The Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in 5 Games in the 1999 NBA Finals.

Pascal Siakam led all scores in Game 2 with 39 points. Jalen Brunson has combined for 79 points over Games 1 and 2.

Western Conference Finals: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder in 5. OKC dominated in its first two home games of this series, and I expect that trend to continue. The Thunder unlike the Knicks do not need to win any games on the road to secure a Finals appearance. I just predict they will win one of the next two and win on their home court in Game 5.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named MVP for the 2024-2025 season before Game 2, and he showed why. Scoring 38 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and having 8 assists and leading his team to victory. Following, a 31 point performance in Game 1.

The depth of the Thunder has proven to be too much for Minnesota. Minnesota also can’t match the offensive output of Oklahoma City. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels were the only Minnesota starters to score in double digits in Game 2.