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Ranking every possible Finals series: Which matchup would be the most compelling?

Spurs-Knicks!? Thunder-Cavaliers!? As the top teams in the East and West battle for an NBA Finals bid, let's break down all four possible series.

5hZach Kram
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

TOP HEADLINES

East Finals - Game 2NY leads series 1-0

The Cavs were 'in the wilderness' after LeBron left: How they rebuilt, and why questions remain

The clock is ticking on Cleveland's core, even though the franchise is back in the conference finals for the first time since the LeBron James era ended.

1hDave McMenamin
Sue Ogrocki/AP

New York's best offense? Whoever just switched onto James Harden

New York's massive Game 1 comeback was built off attacking Harden. What can Cleveland do to counter?

5hZach Kram

    STEPHEN A. HAS HIS SAY

    Stephen A.: ‘Found myself feeling sorry' for James Harden in Game 1

    1h
    2:07

    Stephen A.: Spurs need De'Aaron Fox to win the West

    1h
    0:58

    WEMBANYAMA'S TRAINING

    How 34 generations of ancient warrior training helped build a once-in-a-generation NBA superstar

    Here's how monks in central China helped turn Victor Wembanyama into what he has now become: the most unstoppable force in basketball.

    1dRamona Shelburne
    wemby/instagram

    WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

    SERIES TIED 1-1

    Thunder bounce back in Game 2 to even series with Spurs

    9h
    1:58

    NBA playoff takeaways: Thunder take Game 2 at home

    Here's what we've learned -- and what's next for the Spurs-Thunder series.

    13hNBA insiders

    2026 NBA MOCK DRAFT

    Predicting all 60 picks, plus what we learned at the combine

    Jeremy Woo's updated mock draft and predicting all 60 picks after an exciting week at the 2026 NBA combine.

    2dJeremy Woo
    ESPN

    NBA draft asset tiers: Why OKC and San Antonio are nowhere near done building

    The NBA's two best teams are also members of a group of franchises that control much of the next eight drafts.

    1dBobby Marks

    COACHES CORNER

    NBA coaching carousel: Kidd, Mavericks part ways -- and details on every open job

    Orlando and Chicago are still looking for long-term fits, while New Orleans and Milwaukee have found their next coaches. Here's what lies ahead for each franchise.

    2dTim Bontemps
    AP Photo/Paul Beaty

    Stephen A. weighs in on Kidd's ouster in Dallas

    1d
    2:59

    TRENDING TOPICS

    His Airness is on the line: Jordan reconnects with former teacher in hospice care

    A former high school teacher had a bucket list item she wanted to check off while in hospice care: reconnect with her former student, Michael Jordan.

    3dAnthony Gharib
    (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    Basketballs to blue marlins: Ben Simmons' sportfishing club earns win in the Bahamas

    The Sport Fishing Championship's South Florida Sails captured the Blue Marlin Open at Walker's Cay.

    2dJ.J. Post

    ANDSCAPE

    Andscape

    Jordan Brand is betting on the future with the Triangle

    1hVinciane Ngomsi
    Jordan Brand

    Andscape

    Jared McCain brings 'contagious energy' to Thunder

    34mMarc J. Spears

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