The second round of the NBA Playoffs has begun with eight teams across the league in action.
Here’s what you need to know about the matchups and this round of the playoffs, also known as the Conference Semi-Finals.
New York Knicks v Boston Celtics (Eastern Conference)
The Knicks upset the Celtics in Boston in the first match of the series today, coming back from a 20-point deficit in the third quarter and winning 108-105 in overtime.
During the regular season, the Celtics beat the Knicks all four times the teams met.
However, when it comes to the playoffs, all bets are off.
To make the second round, the Knicks beat the Detroit Pistons 4-2, and the Celtics dominated the Orlando Magic 4-1.
In today’s match, the Knicks’ OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson both recorded 29 points.
Mikal Bridges was exceptional in defence with two blocks and three steals, one of which was in overtime to seal the win for the away team.
Game two, also in Boston, will tip off at 9:00am on Thursday (AEST).
Denver Nuggets v Oklahoma City Thunder (Western Conference)
This matchup was one of the most anticipated of the second round, as Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and this year’s MVP favourite, the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, went head-to-head.
To get to the second round, the Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 while the Nuggets beat the LA Clippers in a Game 7 decider.
The Thunder also had the best regular season record of any team in the league, winning 68 of 82 matches.
In the opening match of the series today, the Nuggets stunned the Thunder 121-119, courtesy of Aaron Gordon sinking a three-pointer with just over five seconds remaining in the match.
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Game two will tip off at 11:30am on Thursday (AEST).
Indiana Pacers v Cleveland Cavaliers (Eastern Conference)
The Pacers, hoping to make their second straight Eastern Conference Final, lead the series 1-0 after winning game one 121-112 on Sunday in Cleveland (local time).
Despite having lost the first match, the Cavaliers are the Western Conference’s number one seed and remain the favourite to win the series.
This season, they demonstrated their offensive potency with a league-high average of 121.9 points per game.
Both teams had no trouble making the second round, with the Cavaliers sweeping the Miami Heat 4-0 and the Pacers eliminating the Bucks 4-1.
Game 2 will tip off tomorrow at 9:00am (AEST).
Golden State Warriors v Minnesota Timberwolves (Western Conference)
The Timberwolves and Warriors meet in Game One of their Western Conference Semifinal tomorrow.
Minnesota cruised past the LA Lakers 4-1 in the first round, and Golden State edged out the Houston Rockets in seven games.
Golden State, who last won a championship in 2022, are led by playoff veterans Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
The team vastly improved in the latter stages of the season with the addition of Jimmy Butler.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are looking to make a second straight Western Conference Final behind the immense talent of Anthony Edwards. The 23-year-old has been touted as the next face of the league and seems to be growing into that role.
Game one will tip off tomorrow at 11:30am (AEST).
