The stage is set for the NBA's Final Four, featuring an unexpected showdown in the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This year's conference finals highlight a new wave of parity in the league, with the Knicks being the only team among the four with a recent championship title, having last won in 1972-73, while the other three franchises have yet to capture an NBA title.

As anticipation builds for the Wolves-Thunder matchup on Tuesday night, analysts are making predictions about the impact players in each series. In the Eastern Conference Finals, several players could potentially be game-changers, including OG Anunoby, who brings significant two-way capabilities to his matchup against former Toronto Raptors teammate Pascal Siakam. Aaron Nesmith is noted for his defensive toughness and versatility, which will be critical in limiting the offensive contributions of Knicks players like Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. Moreover, Josh Hart is recognized as a consistent X-factor with a dynamic presence on the court. However, Mitchell Robinson is projected to make the most substantial impact in terms of winning; despite averaging only 4.7 points per game in the second round against the Boston Celtics, his defensive efforts were remarkable. Robinson averaged 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals over just 20.7 minutes, showcasing his influence on the game, as evidenced by the Knicks' plus-46 rating during his time on the floor.

In contrast, while the Pacers recently secured a series victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, they struggled notably in rebounding, ranking last in the second round. Robinson's physicality compared to Myles Turner could shift the balance in this series. As for the West, Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves is emerging as one of the top postseason scorers; he ranks tenth in NBA playoff history for points per game, averaging 27.4. However, the formidable Thunder defense, which led the league in defensive rating during the regular season, is expected to challenge Edwards. Oklahoma City's defense, particularly in isolation situations, has proven to be exceptionally effective, with Edwards having previously struggled against them. This series will see Oklahoma deploy a cadre of athletic defenders including Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace, among others, to challenge Edwards, all while having Chet Holmgren as a key rim protector. As both Edwards and the Thunder contend, it remains to be seen how well the star scorer can perform against such high-level opposition.

The Pacers have thrived on depth throughout the season, utilizing a rotation of players to overwhelm the Cavaliers despite Indiana’s apparent rebounding deficiencies. In the second round, ten players logged between 10.1 and 33.3 minutes per game, in stark contrast to the Knicks' reliance on their starting five, where all players averaged more minutes than the Pacers’ most-utilized player, Andrew Nembhard. The Knicks’ strategy may give them the edge despite the deeper rotation of the Pacers. Indiana’s options at the end of their rotation, such as Thomas Bryant and Ben Sheppard, may not have the same impact against a stronger Knicks roster as they did against a battered Cavaliers team. While Indiana may start the series with a ten-man rotation, they are likely to streamline their bench to maximize effectiveness against the Knicks.

Attention will focus on the matchup between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards in the Western Conference Finals. Chet Holmgren, the 7'1" center, is set to be a crucial asset for the Oklahoma City Thunder, displaying exceptional versatility on both ends of the floor. Holmgren's capability to stretch the defense with his three-point shooting and excel in shot-blocking presents a unique challenge for the Timberwolves. He is poised to make history by joining the ranks of players who have recorded a five-block, five-three-pointer game, a feat previously accomplished by Kawhi Leonard in 2016. The Thunder are expected to leverage Holmgren's skill set to create advantageous matchups, particularly employing five-out lineups to draw defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert away from the rim and open lanes for Gilgeous-Alexander to exploit. Holmgren's two-way prowess will be scrutinized closely as the series unfolds, likely playing a significant role in shifting the dynamics of play.

As the Eastern Conference Finals unfold, the spotlight shines on two of the league's most clutch players: Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton. Both players have demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, guiding their respective teams with decisive late-game scoring. Brunson has earned recognition as the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year, boasting the highest plus-minus of any player this postseason. His knack for coming through in crunch time will be pivotal for the Knicks, who have had to rally from several double-digit deficits to reach this stage. In contrast, Haliburton has similarly shined in late-game moments, contributing significantly to the Pacers' success with a perfect record in clutch minutes this postseason, underscoring the anticipation of thrilling finishes in this series.

In the Western Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess will be crucial as the Oklahoma City Thunder look to build on their postseason experience. Leading the league with an average of 32.7 points per game this season, he is also in pursuit of an individual scoring record within the franchise. Oklahoma City's postseason history includes a benchmark of 51 points in a single game, set by Russell Westbrook in 2017, positioning Gilgeous-Alexander in a situation where breaking this record appears attainable, especially given his prior success against Minnesota in the regular season. With an average of 35.0 points, this upcoming confrontation presents an opportunity for Gilgeous-Alexander to further solidify his legacy in Oklahoma City's playoff history.