The NBA playoffs are heating up. The New York Knicks are the first team to cement their place in the Conference Finals. The team’s sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers has the Knicks poised to achieve their goal of reaching the NBA Finals. Here are the updated NBA Finals power rankings as of May 11th.
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7. Los Angeles Lakers
Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic shakes hands with forward LeBron James (23) during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Lakers are hanging on for their lives. Already down 3-0, Los Angeles can see its playoff run come to an end with a loss on Monday night. They’ve hung around in the first half of games but have fallen by double-digits in all three losses.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers’ offense ranked among the top teams in the playoffs, but Detroit’s defense has made the difference. However, Cleveland pulled off a much-needed win during game three. If the Cavaliers are to pull even in the series, they must find a way to win during Monday’s game four in Cleveland.
5. Detroit Pistons
It goes without saying that defense can carry a team in the playoffs. Detroit’s defense has stifled Cleveland’s offense during the series’ three games. That said, the Pistons do not want to end Monday night with the series tied two games apiece. Winning the next two games will cement Detroit’s spot in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks.
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4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Feb 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Austin Rivers (25) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Austin Rivers (25) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota is getting more than they asked for against San Antonio. They pulled off a two-point win in game one, but saw the Spurs finish convincing wins in games two and three. The Timberwolves took advantage of Victor Wembanyama’s early ejection in game four and pulled off a big win.
3. New York Knicks
New York made quick work of Philadelphia. The Knicks used their top-ranked defense to stifle the 76ers’ offense. Now, with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals set, the New York Knicks have positioned themselves to reach the NBA Finals after falling one game short last season.
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2. San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio looks like the better team in its second-round matchup with Minnesota. They had a clear grasp on the series before dropping game four following Victor Wembanyama’s ejection. The Spurs must dig deep to ensure a trip to the Western Conference Finals.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A Thunder win on Monday night will send the team to the Western Conference Finals after going a perfect 8-0 through the first two rounds of the playoffs. During the regular season, Oklahoma City was the league’s best team and hasn’t slowed down in the postseason. The Thunder are the favorites to repeat as NBA champions.
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