HOTLB: WHICH NBA TEAM WILL TAKE HOME THE CHAMPIONSHIP?
The National Basketball Association’s (NBA) playoffs are an annual elimination tournament. This year, the tournament began on April 20, after the league’s regular season finished. The tournament starts with 16 teams, eight from the Western Conference and eight from the Eastern Conference, that go through four rounds while playing best of seven until only one team remains. Take a look at who Samo students and basketball players think are going to win this year’s NBA playoffs.
Olivia Stephansen / The Samohi
“I think Oklahoma is gonna win and I want them to win because they have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They are a great team, they got a lot of dudes, like Josh Giddey is an amazing guy.” -Brenton Banister (’25)
Olivia Stephansen / The Samohi
“I’m rooting for the Timberwolves because I’m from Minnesota.” -Emersen Werger (’24)
Olivia Stephansen / The Samohi
“I want the Clippers to win because I’ve been a fan since forever. I think they are going to win because they have Kawhi, Paul George, and all the star power.” -Luke Hecht (’24)
Olivia Stephansen / The Samohi
“I want the Celtics to win because I’m from Boston, they’re my favorite team. I have met them, and my Uncle is also a coach there. I also think the Celtics are going to win because they are overall the best team, they have the most All Stars, and we didn’t win last year so there’s drive.” -Zane Gray (’26)
“I want the Lakers to win because that's my team.” -Kyla Cotton (’25)
Olivia Stephansen / The Samohi
“I want the Lakers because it’s the LA team, and I think the Lakers are going to win because we’re really tuff.” -Andy Sparks (’27)
Olivia Stephansen / The Samohi
