The NBA's Final Four is now officially determined with the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks facing off in the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the West. This year's conference finals highlight the league's parity, featuring a surprising combination of teams. The Knicks, notably, are the only franchise among the four that has previously secured an NBA championship, with their last title coming in the 1972-73 season, while the other three teams are yet to achieve that milestone.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, several players are positioned to play pivotal roles. Indiana's OG Anunoby is expected to deliver a significant two-way performance, particularly against his former Toronto Raptors teammate, Pascal Siakam. Furthermore, Aaron Nesmith brings valuable defensive capabilities to the court, aiding in the effort to limit New York's Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, among others. Josh Hart consistently proves to be an unpredictable factor in games. However, it could be Mitchell Robinson whose impact is felt most extensively; despite a modest average of 4.7 points per game during the Knicks' second-round series against the Boston Celtics, his overall contributions—averaging 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals over approximately 20.7 minutes—are noteworthy. His defensive presence has resulted in a plus-46 rating during his time on the court, surpassing the contributions of New York’s other players significantly. In contrast, the Pacers, despite their five-game series win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcased weaknesses in their rebounding, positioning Robinson to make an even more substantial impact.

As the playoffs progress, the matchup between Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves and the Thunder's defense will be closely scrutinized. Edwards ranks impressively among playoff scorers, but he faces a significant challenge against Oklahoma City's top-rated defense. The Thunder excelled during the regular season, ranking first in defensive rating (106.6 rating) and have continued that trend throughout the playoffs (101.6 rating). Edwards has not fared well against Oklahoma City, struggling with a scoring average of just 22.3 points on 36.4% shooting. The Thunder’s depth includes several capable defenders such as Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace, all of whom will likely be tasked with limiting Edwards’ effectiveness.

The Pacers have leveraged depth as a strategic advantage throughout the year, allowing them to overcome the Cavaliers in the previous round. In the second round, ten players for Indiana saw substantial minutes, contrasting sharply with the Knicks, whose starting five logged significantly more playing time than Indiana's most-utilized player. The Pacers may find it more challenging to deploy their bench players against a robust Knicks squad. While Indiana may begin the series with a full ten-man rotation, adjustments are anticipated, focusing more narrowly on key contributors like T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin to navigate the Knicks' intensity.

Attention also centers on the head-to-head matchups that could influence outcomes. The contest featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards is expected to be a focal point, but Chet Holmgren's involvement will be equally critical. Holmgren's unique two-way capabilities—his shot-blocking prowess combined with his perimeter shooting—make him a pivotal figure in the series. The Thunder's strategy may include utilizing Holmgren in diverse roles to maximize their offensive output while simultaneously providing strong defensive support, particularly against the Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert.

Amidst the Eastern Conference finals, clutch performers Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton will also take center stage, known for their ability to shine under pressure. Brunson's recognition as the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year speaks to his significant contributions in critical moments, while Haliburton has also shown an impressive clutch performance record thus far. Throughout the playoffs, these two players have displayed the ability to deliver game-winning plays, suggesting fans can expect thrilling finishes in their matchups as they attempt to forge their paths to victory.

Gilgeous-Alexander, having led the league in scoring during the regular season, will remain a key offensive force for the Thunder. In playoff history, the franchise record for points in a single game is held by Russell Westbrook, who scored 51 points against the Houston Rockets in 2017. Gilgeous-Alexander aims to break similar records while facing a formidable Timberwolves defense. His earlier performances against Minnesota in the regular season, where he averaged 35.0 points and maintained strong shooting efficiency, indicate his ability to perform under pressure, especially as the stakes continue to rise.