Wed Apr 30 11:40:00 UTC 2025: ## NBA Playoffs: Experts Predict Upsets and a Contested Championship

**New York, NY** – The NBA playoffs are underway, and while the league’s massive $76 billion broadcast rights deal suggests financial health, analysts are divided on whether the league faces a crisis. Some point to issues like an overreliance on three-pointers, a lackluster All-Star game, and excessive foul-hunting, while others highlight the intense Western Conference race and increased primetime viewership as signs of strength. Regardless, many suggest tweaks to the rules, the in-season tournament, and even the schedule to enhance the product.

Several experts offered their playoff predictions, highlighting potential upsets and championship contenders:

* **Dark Horses:** The Los Angeles Clippers, with Kawhi Leonard’s return to form and a strong finish to the regular season, are considered a major dark horse. The Golden State Warriors, bolstered by the addition of Jimmy Butler, also feature prominently in upset predictions.

* **Championship Contenders:** The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are seen as a serious threat due to their high net rating and strong defense. The Boston Celtics, despite Jaylen Brown’s injury, are favored by some due to their overall strength and Kristaps Porzingis’s contributions. The Los Angeles Lakers, leveraging the Luka Dončić trade, are predicted by many to make a deep run, potentially facing a rematch with the Celtics in the finals.

* **Early Exits?** The Houston Rockets, despite their impressive second seed, are seen as vulnerable due to their youth and offensive limitations. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ playoff success is questioned due to concerns about their offensive capabilities and ability to handle playoff intensity. The New York Knicks, hampered by injuries and a recent slump against top teams, also face an uncertain path.

The playoffs promise exciting matchups and plenty of drama, with the potential for surprising results and a hotly contested championship race. The debate over the league’s current state continues, but one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the battle for the title is far from over.

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