NBA Playoffs: Predicting which 2 teams will reach NBA Finals

See who the guys on 'Inside the NBA' are picking to win the Wolves-Mavericks series.

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Here’s who our NBA.com experts are picking to reach the NBA Finals, Presented by YouTube TV:

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(1) Boston vs.  (6) Indiana

Steve Aschburner, NBA.comShaun Powell, NBA.comJohn Schuhmann, NBA.comMichael C. Wright, NBA.com

Celtics in five. Why five? Because the Celtics demonstrated against Miami and Cleveland they cannot sweep, regardless of how heavily favored they might be. Doesn’t matter how many, anyway. Boston is the team playing under pressure here. It won 17 more games than Indiana during the regular season and has knocked on the door of a championship for most of the Tatum-Brown era. The Pacers, by contrast, took a nice step to 47 victories, but are just off a three-year playoff drought. In this showdown, Boston wins on experience, depth and urgency. — Steve Aschburner, who explains his pick and more

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(3) Minnesota vs. (5) Dallas

Steve Aschburner, NBA.comShaun Powell, NBA.comJohn Schuhmann, NBA.comMichael C. Wright, NBA.com

Mavericks in seven. It feels like Minnesota’s time, but that’s the same vibe emanating from Dallas, which is playing in the conference finals for the second time in three seasons. As skilled as Irving and Doncic are, they also possess the experience on this stage that Minnesota lacks. Edwards will undoubtedly put together some electrifying performances. But can he do it for a grueling seven games in consecutive series? Dallas seems to be peaking at the right time. — Michael C. Wright, who explains his pick and more

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