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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.

4hKevin 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.

4hNBA Insiders

TOP HEADLINES

NBA Play-In - East - 8th Seed Game

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

7h
0:24

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

7h
0:41

Georges Niang's late runner rims out for the Hawks

7h
0:19

Terance Mann takes off for tough breakaway layup

7h
0:19

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

7h
0:25
    NBA Play-In - West - 8th Seed Game

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

    4h
    0:38

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

    4h
    2:31

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

    5h
    0:23

    Anthony Davis slams it home over Morant to pull Mavs closer

    6h
    0:19

    AD's 3 pulls Mavs within 10 in third quarter

    6h
    0:23

    Morant dishes wild dime to Santi Aldama for epic 360 slam

    6h
    0:32

    Mavs, Grizzlies trade impressive buckets

    6h
    0:31

    Morant, Davis exchange words in first quarter

    7h
    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.

      21hRamona Shelburne
      Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

      Luka Doncic threw phone when he heard about trade to Lakers

      12h
      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.

      4hBobby 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'

      17h
      0:57

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

      20h
      1:31

      BETTING

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

      An updated listing of the odds to win the NBA championship and Finals MVP.

      21hESPN
      Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

      Thunder, 76ers, Lakers biggest stories of regular season

      The NBA's best and worst teams against the spread, the most-bet players and more.

      19hDoug Greenberg and David Purdum

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