The NBA playoffs are halfway through, and after thrilling comebacks, upsets, and much more, we’re down to four teams.

New York, Indiana, Minnesota, and Oklahoma City will duke it out for the Larry O’Brien trophy, with the conference finals series getting tipped off early this week.

OKC and New York enter as original top three seeds, with Indiana and Minnesota entering as mid-tier seeded teams.

However, in these NBA playoffs, seeds have proven somewhat irrelevant with New York knocking off the 2-seeded Boston Celtics and Indiana knocking off the 64-win Cavs in the second round, and Minnesota upsetting the 3-seeded Lakers in the opening round.

Despite seedings being irrelevant at this point, let’s rerank each team left with a shot to claim the ultimate prize.

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder

How they got here
R1 – 4-0 Win Over Memphis
R2 – 4-3 Win Over Denver

What’s Next
Western Conference Final vs Minnesota beg 5/20 8:30 PM EST

Why are they ranked here? Oklahoma City has been the best team in the NBA all season, and that is not changing now. After being pushed to the limit by Denver in the second round, the Thunder cruised to a statement 125-93 victory.

As was the case in the regular season, the Thunder continue to showcase their elite depth, all while being led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is putting up a near 30 points per game this postseason.

#2 New York Knicks

How they got here
R1 4-2 Win Over Detroit
R2 4-2 Win Over Boston

What’s Next
Eastern Conference Final vs Indiana beg 5/21/24 8:00 EST

Why are they ranked here? Jalen Brunson was the best clutch-time player in the NBA during the regular season, and he has no doubt carried that over into the postseason.
With Brunson playing at an MVP level, Karl Anthony Towns has continued to prove himself as a legit number two option on a title-contending team, averaging 19.8 points and 11.3 rebounds this postseason.

On the defensive end, the Knicks are the best team remaining, with Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges anchoring them on that end of the floor.

Everyone knows the phrase “defense wins championships,” and for the Knicks, that could very well be the case this season.

#3 Indiana Pacers –

How They Got Here
R1 4-1 Win Over Milwaukee
R2 4-1 Win Over Cleveland

What’s Next?
Eastern Conference Final vs New York beg 5/21/24 8:00 PM EST

Why are they ranked here? At this point, Indiana has probably been the most impressive team this postseason. Getting past both the Bucks and the 64-win Cavs, both in five games, has put the NBA world on notice.

Having made their second consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference final, the Paces organization has proven they are among the elite in the East.

Tyreese Haliburton has been one of the most impactful players this postseason and, outside of Brunson, probably the most clutch.

Indiana features a well-rounded scoring attack and athleticism that certainly could give the Knicks some trouble.

#4 Minnesota Timberwolves

How They Got Here
R1 4-1 Win Over Los Angeles
R2 4-1 Win Over Golden State

What’s Next
Western Conference Final vs Oklahoma City beg 5/20/24 at 8:30 PM EST

Why are they ranked here? Perhaps the biggest what-if of the NBA playoffs will be what would have happened in the Wolves/Warriors series if Steph Curry didn’t get hurt.

Nonetheless, the Wolves are back in the conference final for the second straight season, and there is no doubt Anthony Edwards will be on a mission. He is certainly one of the players who can take over a series and will his team to the finals.

They certainly will be challenged defensively, keeping up with the high pace and deep Thunder squad.