NBA Playoffs Unfold: Second Round Matchups Set for Showdown

BOSTON — The NBA playoffs are heating up as the second round kicks off this week, following an exciting first round that included several Game 7s and surprising upsets. The Cleveland Cavaliers, after a dominant regular season, became the first Eastern Conference team to secure their spot in the semifinals, sweeping their opponents.

This Sunday, the Cavaliers will face the Indiana Pacers, who eliminated their rivals for the second consecutive year. The defending champions, the Boston Celtics, will take on the New York Knicks on Monday. All eyes will be on Jayson Tatum, who led the Celtics in their recent series win against the Orlando Magic.

The Cavaliers have maintained a strong offensive record, finishing the season with an average of 121.9 points per game, the best in the league. In contrast, the Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton, are looking to leverage their playoff experience from last year to challenge Cleveland.

In the Western Conference, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will battle the Denver Nuggets in a much-anticipated matchup. This series will feature a showdown between MVP candidates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. The Thunder, boasting a league-best 68 wins, aim to continue their impressive performance against a solid Denver team.

Meanwhile, the series between the Knicks and Celtics is generating buzz, particularly with Celtics guard Jrue Holiday expected to return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the first round. Holiday’s ability to defend against Jalen Brunson could be crucial for Boston as they navigate the series.

The NBA Finals are set to begin on June 5, and with the second round starting, fans can expect intense competition as teams vie for a spot in the championship.