The NBA's Final Four has been officially determined, featuring the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks in a surprising Eastern Conference Finals matchup, while the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to contend in the Western Conference Finals. These matchups showcase an intriguing sense of parity, with the Knicks being the only team in the group to have previously secured an NBA championship, having won the title in the 1972-73 season. The remaining three franchises—Indiana, Oklahoma City, and Minnesota—have yet to capture a championship title, setting the stage for a fresh narrative in this year’s playoffs.

As the Timberwolves and Thunder gear up for their series opener, there are several pivotal players to watch, particularly in the Eastern Conference Finals. OG Anunoby is expected to exert significant two-way influence against his former teammate, Pascal Siakam. In addition, Aaron Nesmith brings valuable defensive skills to counteract offensive threats from players like Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. A notable X-factor is Josh Hart, whose on-court presence could make a substantial difference. However, Mitchell Robinson may possess the most considerable potential to impact the series without necessarily needing to score significantly, as demonstrated by his performance against the Boston Celtics, where he averaged 4.7 points but made his presence felt with 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in limited minutes. His defensive efforts helped the Knicks to a remarkable plus-46 during his playing time, a stark contrast to the struggles faced by the Pacers, who ranked lowest in rebounding during their recent series against the Cavaliers.

Conversely, the Pacers have showcased considerable depth throughout the season. Their ability to rely on a complete team effort helped them defeat the 64-win Cleveland Cavaliers in the previous round. Indiana utilized ten players with significant playing time, contrasting with the Knicks, whose starters eclipsed the minutes of any individual Pacers player. While the Pacers are likely to begin the series with a full roster, adjustments may be necessary as they encounter a Knicks team that poses a different challenge than a depleted Cavaliers squad. Meanwhile, the matchup between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards will receive considerable attention. Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring this season and his recent performances will be closely scrutinized, particularly as the Thunder aim to navigate a strong Timberwolves defense. Edwards has made his mark as a postseason scorer but will need to contend with a formidable OKC defense ranked first in defensive efficiency this season. Overall, both series promise to deliver captivating basketball as teams look to advance to the finals.