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Spurs to shock NBA: Thunder, Celtics fall
15 Apr
Summary
- Spurs predicted to defeat Thunder and Celtics.
- Celtics favored to win Eastern Conference.
- Play-in teams have a history of surprising runs.

The NBA Play-In Tournament begins Tuesday, April 14, ushering in a playoff season that defies easy prediction. While teams like the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder are often seen as contenders, history shows that upsets are common. Last year, the Indiana Pacers reached the finals unexpectedly, and the 2023 Miami Heat made it to the championship as an eighth seed.
Predictions vary widely among experts. One forecast suggests the San Antonio Spurs will defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder and then the Boston Celtics to win the Finals. This prediction highlights the Spurs' matchup advantages and the potential for rookie Victor Wembanyama to lead a deep playoff run.
Meanwhile, a significant portion of experts anticipate the Boston Celtics will advance from the Eastern Conference, though not all foresee them winning the championship. Some analysts believe the Thunder have a strong chance to win the title, drawing parallels to past successful franchises.