Who’s Under the Most Pressure for Game 4?
All eyes might be on the Celtics’ struggling stars, but it’s Jalen Brunson who carries the heaviest burden heading into Game 4.
Despite averaging 24.3 points against Boston, the Knicks’ floor general is shooting just 38% for the series. He’s also visiting the free-throw line far less — down 33% from the first round. The Celtics’ defensive duo of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White has suffocated him.
With the Knicks averaging just 95 points per game and 42% shooting, they’ll need Brunson to break free — especially with Mitchell Robinson floundering at the line (7-of-23) and Karl-Anthony Towns limited by a hand injury.
This Series Will Go to Game 7 If…
…Nikola Jokic finds his groove again.
The reigning MVP is in unfamiliar waters — shooting under 40% for three straight games (with 15+ attempts), something he’s never done in his career. Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense deserves credit, but for Denver to stay alive, Jokic must return to his efficient form and reduce turnovers.
If he does? This could stretch to a thrilling Game 7.
What’s Minnesota’s Weakness — and Can the Warriors Exploit It Without Curry?
Ball security.
The Timberwolves have kept a strong playoff form, but they’ve shown cracks with turnovers — including 21 giveaways in Game 3 vs. Golden State. The Warriors, though inefficient, have the personnel to pounce: Draymond Green, Podziemski, Payton II, and Kuminga all pressure the ball.
They’ll need to convert turnovers into fast-break points if they hope to extend the series and buy time for Stephen Curry’s potential Game 6 return.
Cleveland Can Bounce Back If…
…it rediscovers its offensive rhythm.
The Cavaliers led the league in offensive rating during the regular season, but the playoffs have told a different story. In Game 4’s first half, they scored just 39 points, with 14 turnovers and only three assists.
Donovan Mitchell continues to carry the scoring load, but if his ankle injury slows him further, Cleveland’s supporting cast must rise — or their playoff run ends early.
What’s Been the Biggest Surprise of the Second Round?
The collective stumble of three juggernauts:
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Celtics
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Thunder
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Cavaliers
All three had a +9 point differential in the regular season and went 12-1 in Round 1. Yet, combined, they’re just 4-7 in the second round.
Injuries, shooting variance, and elite competition have created a rare playoff parity — turning the semifinals into a true battle of attrition.
Finals Prediction: Thunder vs. Celtics — Still
Despite their current 2-1 holes, both Boston and Oklahoma City remain the picks to reach the Finals.
Boston rediscovered its identity in Game 3 — a team that, when hitting threes, looks unbeatable. The Thunder still hold home-court advantage and possess a stylistic edge over Minnesota.
The path isn’t smooth — but the ceiling remains championship-caliber.
