It looks like the Celtics and Thunder are the teams to beat.
SB Nation held some polls this week regarding teams’ postseason chances. The Washington Wizards aren’t in the postseason obviously, but at least we can see how everyone is doing below.
Eastern Conference Champion Prediction
Here are SB Nation Reacts’ polls on the postseason. Over half think the Celtics will win the East. pic.twitter.com/dHd9yX1EUI
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) April 11, 2025
Fans favor the Celtics to win the East, with 55 percent picking Boston over the rest of the conference’s playoff teams (45 percent). With one of the league’s best records and elite two-way play, Boston is the clear favorite heading into the postseason.
Western Conference Champion Prediction
The Thunder are the favorites to win the West, but it’s not a majority. pic.twitter.com/D9M4VklfOl
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) April 11, 2025
In a tight race, the Oklahoma City Thunder (44 percent) are the favorites to win the West by plurality. Despite OKC’s strong season and promising core, most fans are leaning toward a different team winning the West, but OKC is still the team to beat.
Eastern Conference Play-In Team Most Likely to Make a Playoff Run
The Magic are the Eastern Playoff Team that would have the best chance of making a run pic.twitter.com/KKQAexo1TT
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) April 11, 2025
The young Orlando Magic squad led the Eastern play-in poll with 41 percent of fans believing they will make a playoff run. Miami Heat came in second at 23 percent, with the Hawks (19 percent) and Bulls (17 percent) close behind. Fans are buying into the Magic’s youth movement and defensive identity, to a point.
Western Conference Play-In Team Most Likely to Make a Playoff Run
The Warriors are the Western Playoff Team that would have the best chance of making a run pic.twitter.com/3qjVXpHyFp
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) April 11, 2025
Fans believe Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors are the most likely Western play-in team to make a playoff run. They lead the poll with 43 percent, followed by the Denver Nuggets at 27 percent. Minnesota Timberwolves (14 percent), Los Angeles Clippers (9 percent), Sacramento Kings (4 percent), and Dallas Mavericks (2 percent) round out the rest. Golden State’s playoff pedigree clearly still inspires confidence.
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