NBA Playoffs 2025: Conference Finals Preview

With the NBA Finals within reach, only four teams remain: the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves. After nearly a month of intense playoff action, these teams stand just one series away from competing for the Larry O`Brien Trophy.

Eastern Conference

New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers

How Did the Pacers Get Here?

The Indiana Pacers have reached the conference finals for the second consecutive season, demonstrating significant growth. While their previous run involved favorable injury circumstances for opponents, this year`s path has been more definitive. The team overcame a slow 16-18 start to the season, becoming one of the league`s best teams since January 1st (42-16, including playoffs). They defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and then upset the 64-win Cleveland Cavaliers, despite the Cavaliers facing significant injuries to All-Stars. Tyrese Haliburton has been instrumental, hitting clutch shots and leading the league in assists during the playoffs (averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.3 assists). Building on the confidence from their previous playoff run, the Pacers are fueled for another deep push.

How Did the Knicks Get Here?

The New York Knicks` journey to the conference finals has been remarkable. Their regular season wasn`t dominant, particularly against top teams (0-10 against 60-win teams), but their resilience and improved player performance have been key. A `never-say-die` attitude carried them, along with the strong play of backup center Mitchell Robinson, who significantly impacted the rebounding battle after returning from injury. This relatively new-look roster appears to be hitting its stride at a crucial time, which they will need against a Pacers team that has performed like a top contender for months.

What We`re Hearing on the Series

Sources suggest the outcome of this series will depend heavily on which team can dictate the style of play. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson`s methodical offense, prefer a slower, half-court battle. The Pacers, on the other hand, are highly successful in maintaining a fast-break pace in the playoffs and will rely on this to wear down the Knicks, who lack the same depth. While the teams appear evenly matched in key individual matchups (Bridges vs Haliburton, Anunoby vs Siakam, Towns vs Turner), the ability of Indiana`s Andrew Nembhard to contain Brunson is seen as a potential deciding factor. Mitchell Robinson`s impact for New York might be limited if the Pacers successfully increase the game`s tempo.

Will New York`s starting lineup be able to keep pace with Indiana`s?

Indiana`s starting lineup has been exceptionally effective in the playoffs, posting a strong positive net rating. In contrast, the Knicks` starting five has struggled at times, often leading to early deficits that require late comebacks. The Pacers` starting group is athletic, balanced, and consistent, while the Knicks` talented starters haven`t always meshed as cohesively. This difference in starting unit performance could give Indiana a significant advantage, as New York`s habit of trailing early might eventually prove too costly.

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves

How Did the Timberwolves Get Here?

The Minnesota Timberwolves are making their second consecutive appearance in the conference finals, approaching the matchup with the Thunder with an underdog mentality. They started the postseason on the road, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in five games each. Despite finishing the regular season strong, the team took time to coalesce after key trades. Additions like Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle (who is having a career-best postseason) have provided significant boosts. The team is anchored by superstar Anthony Edwards, defensive specialists Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, and the steady leadership of Mike Conley and coach Chris Finch. Edwards, who has improved his decision-making, has set a determined tone, stating the team is not satisfied and aims for more than just a conference final appearance.

How Did the Thunder Get Here?

Oklahoma City`s victory over the Denver Nuggets in seven games, following a sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies, highlighted their core strengths: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s efficient brilliance, Jalen Williams` versatility, and a suffocating defense that creates havoc. This formula led them to a franchise-record 68 regular-season wins and an NBA record point differential. Gilgeous-Alexander, the likely MVP, has been incredibly efficient and clutch, rising to the occasion in key moments against Denver. Williams, despite some offensive inconsistency in that series, remains a vital threat, particularly in transition fueled by the Thunder`s defense. Oklahoma City`s defense has been the league`s stingiest, leading in forced turnovers and points off turnovers, making their defense often their best offense.

What We`re Hearing on the Series

Even with Oklahoma City being considered the league`s best team due to their versatility and MVP candidate, scouts believe Minnesota`s size and length pose a significant challenge. The Timberwolves` ability to rotate big players like Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert in the paint matches up well against the Thunder`s physical defensive identity. A key question for OKC is the consistency of their offense, particularly outside shooting, which was hot and cold against Denver. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is elite, the ability of other players like Jalen Williams to consistently make shots will determine if the series is closely contested or a blowout.

Will the Wolves Win a Game of Zones?

Oklahoma City`s inconsistent outside shooting prompted the Denver Nuggets to heavily utilize zone defense in their series, finding some success. The Timberwolves also effectively employed zone defenses against OKC during the regular season, particularly in a game where they overcame a large deficit. Experts anticipate that Minnesota will again rely on zone schemes in this series, challenging the Thunder`s ability to efficiently score against them and potentially impacting the series outcome.