Eastern Conference Semifinals Preview: Key Matchups

The Eastern Conference semifinals are underway, and the four teams left standing – the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks – have all taken different paths to get here. Now, each is one step closer to the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers

Prediction: Cavaliers in 6

The Cavaliers reached the second round by making quick work of the Miami Heat in a dominant four-game sweep, capped off by a 55-point win in Game 4. That kind of performance wasn’t just a statement – it was a warning.

What makes this Cavs team so dangerous is their depth. Role players like Ty Jerome, De’Andre Hunter, Dean Wade, and Isaac Okoro are all contributing valuable minutes on both ends of the floor. That depth is also why I don’t think the Darius Garland injury is going to be a major issue.

Shooting has been elite, with Sam Merrill and Max Strus spacing the floor and making opponents pay every time they’re left open. Add that to the firepower of Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley, and it’s clear this team is a legitimate title contender. They’re clicking at the perfect time.

Meanwhile, the Pacers surprised a lot of people – myself included – by eliminating the Milwaukee Bucks in just five games. They had a clear plan to slow down Giannis and exploited Milwaukee’s vulnerability without Damian Lillard.

Tyrese Haliburton continues to grow into a true star, leading this fast-paced offense with elite vision and feel. Around him, Pascal Siakam brings championship experience, Andrew Nembhard stretches the floor and distributes, and Myles Turner is quietly one of the best two-way bigs in the game.

That said, Cleveland is a different animal. They’re deeper, more defensively sound, and better built to handle Indy’s style. The Pacers won Game 1 and will probably win one more with their speed and shooting, but over a seven-game series, the Cavs have too much firepower and defensive versatility.

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

Prediction: Celtics in 7

The defending champs took care of business against the upstart Orlando Magic, winning the series in five games. The Magic were scrappy enough to steal one, but the Celtics leaned on their experience and depth to get it done.

As always, everything starts with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. If either can get to their spots consistently, the Celtics are incredibly tough to beat. Tatum averaged over 31 points per game in the first round and looked every bit like a top-five player.

Derrick White opened the series with a 30-point game, Kristaps Porziņģis stretches the floor, and Jrue Holiday continues to do all the little things. Off the bench, Payton Pritchard earned Sixth Man of the Year honors with his energy and shot-making. Al Horford is still a steady vet who does the dirty work.

But the Knicks are no joke.

They outlasted a tough Detroit squad in six games, showing their grit, defense, and toughness throughout. This team is physical and relentless. Jalen Brunson, fresh off winning the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, is arguably the best closer in the league right now.

The addition of Karl-Anthony Towns has given them a dynamic offensive weapon, and their trio of wings – OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart – gives them one of the best defensive units in basketball.

They’ve also proven they won’t quit – coming back from double-digit fourth-quarter deficits twice against the Pistons (and in Game 1 against these very same Celtics).

Ultimately though, Boston has the shooting, depth, and defensive flexibility to win a long series. But it won’t be easy. The Knicks will grind, frustrate, and compete in every game.

This one’s going the distance. But Boston survives.

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