Parity Reigns as Champions Old and New Battle for the Title

The NBA has seen a remarkable period of unpredictability in recent years, with a different champion crowned each season. Toronto won in 2019, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Milwaukee in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Denver in 2023, and Boston in 2024. This streak of diverse winners is unprecedented in the league's history.

Now, the Boston Celtics aim to break this trend by attempting to win consecutive titles. No team has achieved this feat since Golden State did it in 2017 and 2018. The playoffs begin with a series of games, setting the stage for a two-month journey involving sixteen teams.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, with the best regular-season record and the top seed in the Western Conference, are considered the favorites to win the championship. The Cleveland Cavaliers, also a top seed in the Eastern Conference, had a strong regular season. Over the past six seasons, several different franchises have reached the finals, highlighting the league's competitive balance.

The Cavaliers are not favored to win the Eastern Conference, with Boston being the pick. Cleveland, known for its scoring ability, may use this as motivation. Other teams in the playoffs include the Lakers, Warriors, Milwaukee, and Denver, all past champions seeking to repeat their success.

The playoff matchups are set, with Boston facing Orlando, New York against Detroit, and Indiana versus Milwaukee in the East. In the West, Houston plays Golden State, the Lakers face Minnesota, and Denver takes on the Los Angeles Clippers. Oklahoma City awaits the winner of the Memphis and Dallas series.

Several players, including James and Curry, have multiple titles. Both have a chance to advance through a competitive Western Conference. There is a rematch from last season between Milwaukee and Indiana. The Pacers won last year, and this year they will face a Bucks team without Damian Lillard for at least the first game.

Additional storylines include Denver seeking its second title in three years, now with a new interim coach. Detroit is back in the playoffs, aiming to end a long postseason losing streak. Houston returns to the playoffs after a five-year absence.

The Thunder are the favorites, and the Cavaliers and Celtics both had successful regular seasons. The Lakers, Warriors, and Nuggets are also confident. The Timberwolves were a surprise team last year, and the Pacers could be this year's breakout team.