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Picking each NBA playoff series: Potential upsets, seven-game thrillers and the Finals

There are two clear favorites to reach the Finals, but expect plenty of action beforehand. Here's how each series could play out.

3hKevin Pelton
ESPN Illustration

NBA postseason preview: Stars, matchups and X factors that could decide the champion

Everything you need to know about the 16 teams battling it out in the postseason.

2hNBA Insiders

TOP HEADLINES

NBA Play-In - East - 8th Seed Game

Davion Mitchell buries dagger 3 in OT to clinch 8-seed for the Heat

5h
0:24

Trae Young's bucket with 1.3 seconds left sends game to OT

5h
0:41

Georges Niang's late runner rims out for the Hawks

5h
0:19

Terance Mann takes off for tough breakaway layup

5h
0:19

Mitchell drains back-to-back 3s to quiet Atlanta crowd

5h
0:25
    NBA Play-In - West - 8th Seed Game

    Ja Morant takes flight for a ridiculous slam as Grizzlies secure West's 8-seed

    3h
    0:38

    Morant on ankle: 'I couldn't feel it, that's why I was out there'

    3h
    2:31

    Jaren Jackson's big-time slam helps Grizzlies pick up win

    3h
    0:23

    Anthony Davis slams it home over Morant to pull Mavs closer

    4h
    0:19

    AD's 3 pulls Mavs within 10 in third quarter

    4h
    0:23

    Morant dishes wild dime to Santi Aldama for epic 360 slam

    4h
    0:32

    Mavs, Grizzlies trade impressive buckets

    5h
    0:31

    Morant, Davis exchange words in first quarter

    5h
    0:16

      LAKERS' DEFENSIVE SURGE

      What's behind this stifling, confusing LeBron-led Lakers defense

      The Lakers have confused some of the NBA's biggest offensive stars with a defensive scheme no one can quite figure out. It will be tested again Saturday, when they face the Timberwolves.

      19hRamona Shelburne
      Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

      Luka Doncic threw phone when he heard about trade to Lakers

      10h
      4:33

      NEXT YEAR BEGINS NOW

      NBA offseason preview: Complete guides for Mavs, Hawks and every eliminated team

      NBA front office insider Bobby Marks breaks down the summer priorities and needs for every eliminated team.

      3hBobby Marks
      Illustration by ESPN

      Silver linings for 10 eliminated teams: What's next for Suns, 76ers

      Which lottery-bound teams have the biggest reasons for hope? Zach Kram examines the futures of 10 franchises.

      3dZach Kram

      PLAYOFF TALK

      Stephen A: 'Ben Simmons has been stealing money'

      15h
      0:57

      Hahn: Bucks should consider moving on from Giannis if they lose to Pacers

      18h
      1:31

      BETTING

      Betting the NBA playoffs: Thunder, Celtics have best championship odds

      8hESPN

      Thunder, 76ers, Lakers biggest stories of regular season

      8hDoug Greenberg and David Purdum

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