Now that the play-ins are finished and the locked playoff bracket is set, it's time to get excited for a ton of great playoff matchups that could possibly see many game sevens in the first round alone.
Could there be upsets? Who has the best chance to sweep a series? Will the number-two-seeded Rockets overcome the disrespect from the Golden State Warriors, still being the favourites?
Our NBA experts give their NBA Finals predictions, including a bold prediction here and there as well
So, whose predictions are you siding with?
Eric Himmelheber's Predictions
NBA Finals - Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Los Angeles Lakers in six games
This Cleveland Cavaliers team is downright ridiculous. From setting franchise records and making some of the best teams in the league look silly, I just don't see how anyone in this tournament will overcome them.
They led the league in points per game (121.9), were second in three-point percentage (38.3), third-least in turnovers per game (13.2), and the best point differential (782) in the Eastern Conference.
By the way, those 1986 Celtics also went on to win a championship.
There have only been two NBA Finals in the past 12 years that hosted both number one seeds. Could it be the Thunder as well? Absolutely. But Doncic on the Lakers has proven to be a problem, just not enough for this Cavaliers team, whom they lost to in both meetings this season.
Bold prediction - The Rockets take down the Warriors in five games or less
The Houston Rockets are the No. 2 seed for a reason and the disrespect needs to be put to a stop. The fact that the Warriors are favourites in the first place and that this in of itself is a bold prediction is crazy.
Sebastian Gente's Predictions
NBA Finals - Denver Nuggets defeat New York Knicks in six games
I'd like to believe that the team with the best player have the best chance to win. Denver still have most of their players who were crowned in 2023, that experience can't be bought. Even if there are some traps, liike in the first round against the Clippers, Nikola Jokic is in the best shape of his life, and will be that difference maker.
I see the Knicks in the NBA Finals with a deep roster and many solutions to score against any team. I think they'll put to rest their 0-10 record against teams with 60+ wins during the regular season and show why the playoffs can be different.
Bold prediction - Lakers will fail
Tough first round, that Lakers vs Wolves matchup. But after a dream start, 'The Doncic Lakers' are not that impressive now, and the defence of Minnesota is going to win the series. Lakers aren't deep enough and, in my opinion, not good enough on defence.
Paul Winters' Predictions
NBA Finals - Oklahoma City Thunder defeat Boston Celtics in five games
It is OKC's year. They've had a historically good season with the best differential of all time, 50 double-digit wins, an unbelievable 28-2 record against teams from the East, and impeccable squad depth with MVP-favourite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the line with whomever his supporting cast was made out of.
All the pieces are there, Mark Daigneault's coaching has been second-to-none, and they've proven it against every team out there. The Celtics will want to run it back and get close, but an impeccable Thunder team will run the league.
Bold prediction - Lakers will be first-round exits
Even though they have a star-studded team, they're vulnerable - and that'll lead Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves to cause a major upset. Another is that Quinten Post will win two games for the Warriors.
Tolga Akdeniz's Predictions
NBA Finals - Boston Celtics defeat Los Angeles Lakers in six games
Honestly, I just think the defending champion Boston Celtics are by far and away the best team in the NBA - and their quality will eventually tell. With four All-Stars in their starting five, they have amazing players both on the offensive and defensive end, with Jayson Tatum again performing at an All-NBA first team standard.
I cannot see anyone coming close to troubling them in the Eastern Conference. With the Los Angeles Lakers, while they do lack a quality big man, their three-headed monster of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James is stunning.
And with Luka, they have one of the greatest playoff performers of all time, and he is coming off the back of taking the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals last year. I can see them winning the West and setting up an amazing match-up between the two most successful franchises. However, I'm not sure they will have enough to beat the Celtics.
Bold prediction - Knicks get bounced in the first round
The Detroit Pistons have been a revelation this season, and coach J.B. Bickerstaff has done a remarkable job turning a team that won 14 games last season into a team that has made the playoffs this year.
Cade Cunningham's rise has been a joy to watch, averaging 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game this season. I like the New York Knicks' offence a lot, but there are big questions over their defence, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a young and exuberant Pistons team stun them.