The NBA Playoffs are Underway

By Vinny D.

As April kicks off, it's a huge time in the sports world. MLB season starting, NHL playoffs, The Masters, March Madness finalizes, NFL Draft, and more. But one of the more major events on the sporting event calendar is the NBA playoffs.

This season, the NBA has few top contenders who are the betting favorites over the rest of the field. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the leading favorites with +110 odds to win the NBA finals according to ESPN. Led by former MVP and current league front runner, Shai - Gilgeous - Alexander who is having one of the most efficient seasons by an NBA guard in history. With his backcourt partner in Jalen Williams who is coming off an All Star season.

The San Antonio Spurs are also a favorite even though they are the 2nd seed out of the Western Conference behind OKC. Led by a Generational player in Victor Wembanyama who was most recently named the NBA’s first Unanimous Defensive Player of The Year along with being an MVP finalist. Partnered with his backcourt trio of Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De’Aaron Fox. 

In the Eastern Conference, the new and young Detroit Pistons lead the pack with a regular season record of 60-22 led by young superstar Cade Cunningham who through the playoffs is averaging 29.5 Points per game 6 rebounds and 7.5 assists. But also in the East, is the Boston Celtics, who were led with Jaylen Brown all season and now with the return of Jayson Tatum, are a team to look out for. 

“ I hope the nuggets do, it’s hard right now because they're down in the series but I think they can pull it off.” states senior Lauren R. The Nuggets are currently down 3-2 in their playoff series and look to tie the series Thursday in Minnesota against the very hurt Timberwolves. 

“I don’t really care who wins, but I'd love to see OKC go back to back. I love Shai.” remarks senior Jessie K. Many people don’t want to see the Thunder win back to back championships. In fact over 90% of the people asked wanted the Thunder to lose and not complete the back to back.

Overall the NBA playoffs are a very eventful time, especially in Colorado with a very competitive team and one of the best players in the world in Nikola Jokic. It brings the state together collectively to support and have one of the best fanbases in the NBA. You can keep up with the NBA almost everyday with games alternating days.