2024 NBA playoffs predictions: Our brilliant staff picks dark horses, the NBA Finals and more
After a long, six-month grind, the NBA postseason is finally in the front view mirror. This weekend, we’ll see 16 teams begin their hopeful two-month quest for the glorious Larry O’Brien Trophy. And there’s a lot to unpack in that mission.
After winning their first title in franchise history, Nikola Jokic and the reigning champion Denver Nuggets will try to become the first NBA team to repeat since the 2017-2018 Golden State Warriors. But they have no shortage of worthy challengers in a stacked Western Conference, from the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder to more seasoned groups like the Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Meanwhile, after enjoying one of the finest regular seasons in NBA history (and several extended playoff runs in recent years), Jayson Tatum’s Boston Celtics will try to finally get the title monkey off their back. The Celtics’ East competition is weaker, at least on paper, but don’t discount the heart of rivals like the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks. In the playoffs, anything can happen.
Ahead of what should be a wonderfully thrilling postseason, here is how the staff of For The Win sees the 2024 NBA playoffs shaking out. From dark horses and breakout players to NBA Finals picks, we’ve covered every base with our predictions below: