Denver still has the best player in the world in Nikola Jokić. With a exception of a down postseason from his running mate in 2024, Jokić and Jamal Murray are among the league's bigger playoff risers. And the Nuggets ending the season 3-0 under their interim coach could be more than the typical "new coach bump."

Golden State vs. Houston will represent the old guard vs. the up-and-comers. Will Jimmy Butler be the key to the Warriors' fifth title in 11 years?

Detroit’s best pathway to victory is if the Knicks start running out of players, but we’re early in the playoffs for that, and New York should benefit from the return of Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks have been fantastic against non-elite teams all season and should continue that trend. Pick: Knicks in 6