NBA · 1 year ago

NBA Playoff Power Rankings: T’wolves or Celtics to Win it All?

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Week’s Ranking: 1

I’m now ready to declare that the Minnesota Timberwolves will win the title. They’ve been that impressive. Anthony Edwards is a superstar who is not afraid of the moment. Karl Anthony-Towns has stepped up big time as a No. 2 option offensively. Most importantly, their defense is ferocious. Will they be underdogs against the Boston Celtics in a hypothetical NBA Finals matchup? Yes, but this team is fearless and ready to walk into TD Garden in Game 1 and take the Celtics’ heart. This team is special, enjoy the ride.

Conference Odds: -115

NBA Finals Odds: +300
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week’s Ranking: 10 (+2)

At this point, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the forgotten team in the playoffs almost because the East is just viewed as the Celtic Invitational at this point. Cleveland had their moment when they beat the Orlando Magic in Game 7 with a resilient second-half effort, but they are no match for the Boston Celtics. Maybe Donovan Mitchell can steal a game with a heroic performance, but we saw in Game 1 that the Cavs have no answer for what the Celtics bring to the table, even without Kristaps Porzingis.

Conference Odds: +6000

NBA Finals Odds: +20000
7. Denver Nuggets
Last Week’s Ranking: 4 (-3)

What is going on with the Denver Nuggets? I thought the Minnesota Timberwolves were live to advance in this series as a +180 underdog, but I didn’t think the Nuggets would roll over and die when punched in the mouth. Nikola Jokic had a brutal Game 2 showing, Jamal Murray looks to be collapsing mentally, and frankly, no one else is showing up. Obviously, a lot of credit has to be given to the Wolves, but man, the Nuggets can’t even put up a fight?

Conference Odds: +800

NBA Finals Odds: +1600
6. Indiana Pacers
Last Week’s Ranking: 9 (+3)

The Indiana Pacers put out an impressive first three quarters in Game 1 in Madison Square Garden. While much can be said about the referees wanting the New York Knicks to win that game, the Pacers still could have executed better in the fourth quarter. The Pacers are a good team, but Game 1 was theirs for the taking, and I don’t think they have the resiliency to respond in Game 2. I hope I’m wrong as I’m hoping for a fun series, but that was a deflating loss largely out of Indiana's control.

Conference Odds: +2100

NBA Finals Odds: +9000
5. Dallas Mavericks
Last Week’s Ranking: 7 (+2)

Game 1 was ugly for the Dallas Mavericks, but at least they got the bad Luka Doncic showing out of the way. I’m still very high on the Oklahoma City Thunder to advance in this series, but I can never count out the tandem of Luka and Kyrie Irving. If the Mavs take Game 2 in OKC, it wouldn’t surprise me if they return to OKC for Game 5 with a chance to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Conference Odds: +600

NBA Finals Odds: +1800
4. New York Knicks
Last Week’s Ranking: 5 (+1)

I probably should have ranked the New York Knicks number one since it appears the NBA referees won’t let the Knicks lose, but they still have had a special playoff run behind an epic crowd in Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson continues to write his Knick legacy with repeat legendary playoff performances, and all the role players around him work together. They should be able to close out Indiana sooner rather than later, but I still don’t think they have a chance against the Boston Celtics, especially if Kristaps Porzingis returns.

Conference Odds: +320

NBA Finals Odds: +1100
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Week’s Ranking: 3

I was worried about how the Oklahoma City Thunder would match up with the Dallas Mavericks in this series, but all those doubts vanished as the Thunder handled the Mavs rather comfortably. I still do believe this series will be a long one, likely six games, but the Thunder’s young studs are ready for their moment. The Big 3 of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are coming together under the brightest lights, so seeing how their postseason run unfolds will be exciting.

Conference Odds: +210

NBA Finals Odds: +650
2. Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Ranking: 2

It’s hard to judge the Boston Celtics currently as they handled a short-handed Miami Heat squad comfortably and now get to face a Cleveland Cavaliers that’s not too impressive. Teams can only play who’s right in front of them. Still, I’m thinking about a potential Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves when the Celtics run into the Wolves’ buzzsaw that’s been handing quality competition. Still, the Celtics are deserving of being the favorite to win it all, but you’ll never see me backing their -115 price to win it all currently.

Conference Odds: -360

NBA Finals Odds: -115
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Week’s Ranking: 1

I’m now ready to declare that the Minnesota Timberwolves will win the title. They’ve been that impressive. Anthony Edwards is a superstar who is not afraid of the moment. Karl Anthony-Towns has stepped up big time as a No. 2 option offensively. Most importantly, their defense is ferocious. Will they be underdogs against the Boston Celtics in a hypothetical NBA Finals matchup? Yes, but this team is fearless and ready to walk into TD Garden in Game 1 and take the Celtics’ heart. This team is special, enjoy the ride.

Conference Odds: -115

NBA Finals Odds: +300
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week’s Ranking: 10 (+2)

At this point, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the forgotten team in the playoffs almost because the East is just viewed as the Celtic Invitational at this point. Cleveland had their moment when they beat the Orlando Magic in Game 7 with a resilient second-half effort, but they are no match for the Boston Celtics. Maybe Donovan Mitchell can steal a game with a heroic performance, but we saw in Game 1 that the Cavs have no answer for what the Celtics bring to the table, even without Kristaps Porzingis.

Conference Odds: +6000

NBA Finals Odds: +20000

NBA Playoff Power Rankings: T’wolves or Celtics to Win it All?

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