The Playoffs Turn Spicy as Multiple Teams Reach Crucial Juncture - NBA Conference Semifinals Preview

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With the first round of the NBA Playoffs complete, half the teams remain, and plenty of questions remain to be answered. Action ensues as the conference semifinals are now set and ready–pride on the line.

Western Conference:

Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs Denver Nuggets (4)

In what is a much more difficult matchup for the Thunder after their light work of the Grizzlies, the Nuggets come off a crucial game seven victory in an enthralling series against the feisty Clippers. Will the confidence from the gritty series victory over the Clippers be enough to prevail against the brilliance of the Thunder?

Minnesota Timberwolves (6) vs Golden State Warriors (7)

Yet another seven-game series transpired in one of the more fascinating contests, with plenty of physicality. Golden State eked out the Rockets after being up as much as 3-1 in the series and will face a similar defensive challenge in the Minnesota Timberwolves, who come off a brushing of the Lakers in their five-game win.

Eastern Conference:

Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs Indiana Pacers (4):

The Cavaliers may seem the definite favorites in this series, and are projected to come out of the second round intact, but the Pacers' recent record against the Cavaliers suggests some fireworks between the two teams. If the Pacers do pull off the unthinkable, a Finals favorite will have gone down early.

Boston Celtics (2) vs New York Knicks (3)

Two of the NBA’s mega franchises come head-to-head in another high-octane matchup. High-school rivals Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brunson lead their respective teams again, years later. The Celtics came off an easy win against the Magic, while the Knicks fought impressively against the young and resilient Pistons.

Two weeks in, the NBA playoffs have been windy and plenty unpredictable. What is to come is under nobody’s jurisdiction–and as always, time will tell the fate of the tournament.