The NBA's conference semifinals represent an escalation in both stakes and quality of competition. Nobody expected the play-in teams -- outside of the Golden State Warriors -- to compete for the 2025 title. But once the playoff field is whittled to eight remaining contenders, they all have a legitimate chance.
Just look at what happened in the opening days of the second round. Road teams upset the higher-seeded No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers, No. 2 Boston Celtics and No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder in each series' Game 1.
With the sport's ultimate prize now firmly in sight, let's examine what it would take for each remaining team to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy this June.