Playoffs Overview
As the first round of the NBA playoffs began, only three upsets were anticipated. Barring losses from the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, or Oklahoma City Thunder would have been surprising outcomes.
The Celtics, Cavs, and Thunder all performed well, managing just one loss collectively in the first round and boasting an average point differential of 20.3 points per game.
In the other five series, outcomes were uncertain, with two series needing seven games. The contests between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons were particularly close, as five of the six games were decided by a margin of just five points in the final minutes. However, the Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves advanced comfortably, leveraging their well-rounded play against star opponents.
Despite Cleveland’s Game 1 loss to Indiana, the power rankings still favor the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavs as we transition into the conference semifinals. It would indeed be a significant upset if any of the three fail to make it to the final four.
Plus-Minus Players of the First Round
* * *
Performance Metrics
OffRtg: Points per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
The 16 playoff teams averaged 112.7 points scored per 100 possessions and 94.7 possessions per 48 minutes in the playoffs, down from 113.7 and 99.6 across all 30 teams in the regular season.
General Commentary
NBA.com’s Power Rankings, updated every Monday throughout the season, are subjective opinions. If you have concerns regarding the rankings, or would like to reach out to John Schuhmann, send him an email or reach him via Threads.
Top Teams
Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoffs record: 4-0
OffRtg: 117.4 (4) DefRtg: 97.6 (1) NetRtg: +19.8 (2) Pace: 102.6 (1)
First-round results: Defeated Memphis 4-0
Conference semifinals: vs. (4) Denver
Featuring the best regular-season point differential in NBA history, the Thunder triumphed in Game 1 by a staggering 51 points.
Next game: Mon. vs. DEN, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Boston Celtics
Playoffs record: 4-1
OffRtg: 117.4 (3) DefRtg: 103.8 (2) NetRtg: +13.7 (3) Pace: 90.4 (15)
First-round results: Defeated Orlando 4-1
Conference semifinals: vs. New York
Despite a brief setback in Game 3, where they suffered an ugly defeat, the Celtics showcased their dominance and experience.
Next game: Mon. vs. NYK, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoffs record: 4-1
OffRtg: 131.1 (1) DefRtg: 106.8 (3) NetRtg: +24.3 (1) Pace: 94.1 (7)
First-round results: Defeated Miami 4-0
Conference semifinals: Down 0-1 vs. Indiana.
After dominating the Heat, the Cavaliers struggled in Game 1 against the Pacers despite their remarkable offensive efficiency.
Next game: Tue. vs. IND, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
