Experts’ picks for Celtics-Bucks, Grizzlies-Warriors and every second-round series
Steph Curry describes the similarities between this year’s Grizzlies and the Warriors teams he was on early in his career. (1:20)
Which NBA teams are headed to the conference finals?
In the Eastern Conference, the top-seeded Miami Heat just saw their chances skyrocket after the Philadelphia 76ers ruled out center and MVP finalist Joel Embiid indefinitely with an orbital fracture and a mild concussion.
The most anticipated series of the second round is between the Boston Celtics and the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics, fresh off a sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, have been red-hot for months behind the league’s best defense and the continued rise of superstar Jayson Tatum.
The Western Conference featured the NBA-best Phoenix Suns, who welcomed back Devin Booker in their Game 6 closeout win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Backcourt partner Chris Paul is coming off a historic 14 for 14 shooting performance as the Suns take on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.
The West’s 2 vs. 3 matchup has electrifying guard Ja Morant and the young Memphis Grizzlies facing Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors, who are looking to reboot their dynasty around a remixed roster.
How many upsets will Round 2 provide? Our NBA experts are making their predictions.
MORE: What to know for the conference semis | Schedules
Jerry Bembry: Heat in 6
Kendra Andrews: Heat in 6
Jamal Collier: Heat in 6
Nick DePaula: Heat in 6
Nick Friedell: Heat in 6
Kirk Goldsberry: Heat in 5
Israel Gutierrez: Heat in 5
Tim Legler: Heat in 5
Andrew Lopez: Heat in 6
Tim MacMahon: Heat in 6
Bobby Marks: Heat in 6
Dave McMenamin: Heat in 6
Kevin Pelton: Heat in 5
Omar Raja: Heat in 5
Jorge Sedano: Heat in 7
Ramona Shelburne: Heat in 7
André Snellings: Heat in 5
Marc J. Spears: Heat in 5
Ohm Youngmisuk: Heat in 6
Final tally: Heat 19, 76ers 0.
Jerry Bembry: Bucks in 7
Kendra Andrews: Bucks in 7
Jamal Collier: Celtics in 6
Nick DePaula: Celtics in 7
Nick Friedell: Celtics in 6
Kirk Goldsberry: Celtics in 7
Israel Gutierrez: Celtics in 7
Tim Legler: Bucks in 7
Andrew Lopez: Celtics in 7
Zach Lowe: Celtics in 6
Tim MacMahon: Celtics in 7
Bobby Marks: Celtics in 7
Dave McMenamin: Bucks in 7
Kevin Pelton: Celtics in 7
Omar Raja: Celtics in 7
Jorge Sedano: Celtics in 7
Ramona Shelburne: Celtics in 7
André Snellings: Bucks in 7
Marc J. Spears: Celtics in 7
Ohm Youngmisuk: Bucks in 7
Final tally: Celtics 14, Bucks 6.
Jerry Bembry: Suns in 6
Kendra Andrews: Suns in 6
Jamal Collier: Suns in 7
Nick DePaula: Suns in 6
Nick Friedell: Suns in 6
Kirk Goldsberry: Suns in 6
Israel Gutierrez: Suns in 6
Tim Legler: Suns in 6
Andrew Lopez: Suns in 6
Zach Lowe: Suns in 6
Tim MacMahon: Suns in 7
Bobby Marks: Suns in 6
Dave McMenamin: Suns in 5
Kevin Pelton: Suns in 7
Omar Raja: Suns in 6
Jorge Sedano: Suns in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Suns in 7
André Snellings: Suns in 5
Marc J. Spears: Suns in 6
Ohm Youngmisuk: Suns in 7
Final tally: Suns 20, Mavericks 0.
Jerry Bembry: Warriors in 6
Kendra Andrews: Warriors in 6
Jamal Collier: Warriors in 5
Nick DePaula: Warriors in 6
Nick Friedell: Warriors in 6
Kirk Goldsberry: Warriors in 6
Israel Gutierrez: Warriors in 5
Tim Legler: Warriors in 6
Andrew Lopez: Warriors in 6
Zach Lowe: Warriors in 6
Tim MacMahon: Warriors in 6
Bobby Marks: Warriors in 6
Dave McMenamin: Warriors in 5
Kevin Pelton: Warriors in 6
Omar Raja: Warriors in 7
Jorge Sedano: Warriors in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Warriors in 6
André Snellings: Warriors in 6
Marc J. Spears: Warriors in 6
Ohm Youngmisuk: Warriors in 6
Final tally: Warriors 20, Grizzlies 0.