2026 NBA conference finals predictions: experts lean toward Thunder, Knicks
2026-nba-conference-finals-expert-predictions
The 2026 NBA conference finals tip off Monday, and a panel of ESPN NBA insiders has issued its picks for each best-of-seven series and the projected standout performers.
Eastern Conference: New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The No. 3 seed Knicks received eight of 11 expert votes to defeat the fourth-seeded Cavaliers. Most panelists expect point guard Jalen Brunson to steer New York to the NBA Finals, with six selecting him as series MVP. Two voters pointed to Karl-Anthony Towns, while all three Cleveland backers chose Donovan Mitchell to lead a potential upset.
Western Conference: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
In the West, the top-seeded Thunder secured seven of 12 predictions over the No. 2 seed Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew five of those MVP nods, and one voter highlighted Jalen Williams. All five experts siding with San Antonio cited rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama as the difference-maker.
Oklahoma City reached the conference finals after eliminating the Los Angeles Lakers, while San Antonio advanced by ousting the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games. In the East, New York completed a sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland shocked the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons with a Game 7 rout.
Game 1 of both series is scheduled for Monday.
Source: ESPN
