NBA Conference Finals 2026: Full Preview, Odds and Key Matchups

The 2026 NBA playoffs have delivered drama, upsets, and spectacular individual performances. Now the field has narrowed to four teams, and both Conference Finals series promise to be exceptional. Here is everything you need to know heading into the biggest week of the NBA season.

Western Conference: Thunder vs Timberwolves

Oklahoma City Thunder enter as heavy favourites after a dominant regular season and a 4-0 sweep of Phoenix in the first round followed by a hard-fought win over Dallas. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the best player in the playoffs, averaging 32 points and 7 assists. Chet Holmgren's two-way impact at centre has been transformative, and Jalen Williams continues to emerge as a legitimate third star. The Thunder's depth, defence, and clutch execution make them the team to beat.

Minnesota Timberwolves scraped past Denver in seven games, with Anthony Edwards delivering a 42-point masterpiece in the deciding game despite playing through a hamstring issue. Karl-Anthony Towns has been superb, and Rudy Gobert's rim protection is the foundation of the league's best defensive unit. The concern is Edwards's fitness — if he is less than 100%, the Wolves lack a secondary creator to fill the gap.

Series odds: Thunder -200, Timberwolves +170. Our pick: Thunder in 6.

Eastern Conference: Cavaliers vs Knicks

Cleveland Cavaliers have been the best team in the East all season, and their playoff run has confirmed their credentials. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 29 points in the postseason, Darius Garland has found his rhythm as the secondary ball-handler, and Evan Mobley's defensive versatility anchors their scheme. After dispatching Toronto in five games, they look well-rested and hungry.

New York Knicks have taken the hard road, needing seven games to beat Atlanta after falling behind 2-1. Jalen Brunson has been magnificent, carrying the offence through difficult stretches, but the physical toll of the Hawks series is a concern. OG Anunoby's two-way play has been crucial, and Josh Hart's energy off the bench gives them a spark. But they will need more from Julius Randle against Cleveland's elite defence.

Series odds: Cavaliers -160, Knicks +140. Our pick: Cavaliers in 7 — this will be a war.

Finals prediction

We expect an Oklahoma City Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Finals. Both teams have the best player in their conference, elite defences, and the depth to survive a seven-game series. It would be a fitting culmination to a season that has seen the balance of power in the NBA shift decisively away from the old guard.