NBA playoffs 2023 - Experts' picks for every second-round series - ESPN

The NBA playoffs are down to eight teams, each with a realistic path to the Finals.

The first round was eventful in both the predictable outcomes and a splash of upsets thought to be unrealistic at the end of the regular season, most notably the eighth-seeded Miami Heat knocking out the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference. The Heat now face the New York Knicks, who have exceeded preseason expectations themselves.

In the other series in the East — between two teams expected to make it this far — the Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers winner could determine the eventual East champion.

Meanwhile in the Western Conference, Nikola Jokic and the top-seeded Denver Nuggets will look to overcome their past playoff struggles and fend off a dangerous Phoenix Suns, who are led by Devin Booker and trade deadline addition Kevin Durant.

Who will advance? Our NBA experts reveal their picks for each conference semifinal winner.

MORE: Schedule, news and results

Kendra Andrews: Warriors in 6

Jerry Bembry: Warriors in 6

Jamal Collier: Warriors in 6

Nick DePaula: Warriors in 6

Kirk Goldsberry: Warriors in 7

Israel Gutierrez: Warriors in 7

Bobby Marks: Warriors in 6

Dave McMenamin: Lakers in 6

Kevin Pelton: Warriors in 7

Ramona Shelburne: Warriors in 7

André Snellings: Lakers in 6

Marc Spears: Warriors in 7

Ohm Youngmisuk: Warriors in 7

Final tally: Warriors 11, Lakers 2

Kendra Andrews: Suns in 6

Jerry Bembry: Nuggets in 7

Jamal Collier: Suns in 6

Nick DePaula: Suns in 6

Nick Friedell: Suns in 6

Kirk Goldsberry: Suns in 7

Israel Gutierrez: Suns in 6

Tim Legler: Suns in 6

Tim MacMahon: Suns in 6

Bobby Marks: Nuggets in 7

Dave McMenamin: Suns in 6

Kevin Pelton: Suns in 6

Jorge Sedano: Suns in 7

Ramona Shelburne: Nuggets in 7

A