Tank's NBA Conference Finals Preview

Justin Casterline. Getty Images.

Eastern Conference 

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• 3. New York Knicks vs. 4. Cleveland Cavaliers
• Knicks in 6

The Knicks' biggest concern as this series begins is whether they have had too much time off. When we last saw New York, they were mopping the floor with the Sixers, sweeping the series, and winning in dominant fashion. The time off allowed the Knicks to rest some sore bodies, especially OG Anunoby, who missed the last two games with an ankle injury.  The Cavaliers needed seven games to dispatch the Pistons, as James Harden helped turn the series around after they fell behind 0-2. 

Since trailing the Hawks 2-1 in the first round, the Knicks have looked like a team on a mission, winning their next seven games, all but one by double digits. This includes three 30-point victories. Jalen Brunson has been red hot, leading the way with 27.4 ppg. Anunoby has also averaged 21.4, while Karl Anthony Towns is averaging a double-double with 17.4 points and ten rebounds per game. The blowout wins have helped coach Mike Brown manage minutes and get a good rotation going as the Knicks have momentum heading into their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearance. 

The Cavaliers have survived two seven-game series, with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden leading the way, averaging over 20 points per game. Rallying after losing the first two games in Detroit, the Cavaliers have silenced some of their critics. However, their depth is questionable. They are battle-tested, but can they overcome what the Knicks are doing? 

The Knicks' time is now. Look for them to continue their excellent play after shaking off some initial rust and win the series in six games, as Jalen Brunson is named the Conference Finals MVP. 

Western Conference Finals

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• 1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 2. San Antonio Spurs
• Thunder in 5

The OKC Thunder look locked and loaded for a repeat. After finishing with the NBA's best record, they have dominated in the playoffs, going 8-0 as they swept the Suns and Lakers. The Spurs have been right behind them as the second-best team in the NBA, and they took down the Trail Blazers and Timberwolves to reach the Western Conference Finals. 

This could be the NBA's next big rivalry, with SGA and Wemby quickly becoming the faces of the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has dominated with a postseason-best 29.1 ppg. SGA has also been a valued playmaker with 7.1 assists per game. The Spurs have had more scoring balance with Victor Wembanyama leading the way with 20.3 ppg, while Stephon Castle averaging 19.9 and De'Aaron Fox at 18.8 ppg. 

In this first showdown, expect SGA, the two-time MVP, to school Wembanyama, who is making his first deep playoff run. SGA and OKC have shown they can win a championship and have been the best team in the league all season. They are healthy and look like a team that could be a dynasty, especially with the resources they possess. The Wemby Spurs have yet to reach that level, and will find themselves overmatched early, taking one game as the Thunder roll in five games. With Shai-Gilgeous Alexander winning Conference Finals MVP.