NBA Playoffs Shockers: Top 4 Underdogs Poised to Defy Odds!

Surprises are a common theme in the early stages of the NBA playoffs. Although the final contenders tend to be the higher-seeded teams, with the last two champions being No. 1 seeds, history shows us that lower-seeded teams have snatched the championship only twice. However, the initial rounds frequently feature unexpected outcomes, with the first round particularly vulnerable to upsets due to the sheer number of teams and the uncertainties of performance.

For instance, in 2024, the No. 5 Dallas Mavericks shocked the No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers, eventually making a run to the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, the No. 5 Indiana Pacers upset the No. 4 Milwaukee Bucks, who were without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The year before, the No. 6 Golden State Warriors overcame the No. 3 Sacramento Kings in a tough seven-game series, and the No. 8 Miami Heat toppled the top-seeded Bucks in a historic playoff journey. The 2022 playoffs followed expectations, and the 2021 playoffs featured just one upset in the first round.

The potential for upsets varies from season to season. This year, the playing field appears ripe for surprises. Besides a handful of clear favorites, many teams are in the middle of the pack; they are competent enough to qualify for the playoffs but have clear weaknesses that might be their undoing. The stage is set for potentially numerous upsets.

Here are four lower-seeded teams poised to create first-round upsets.

No. 7 Golden State Warriors

Matchup: No. 2 Houston Rockets
Season series: Warriors 3, Rockets 2

With key players like Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler healthy, the Warriors are a formidable postseason team. They secured the No. 7 seed by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in tournament, setting up a first-round clash with the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets.

The Rockets have been exceptional, particularly on defense, leading them to a 52-win season. They’ve also managed to effectively counter the Warriors’ offense, especially after acquiring Butler in January. Their defensive prowess was on full display on April 6, shutting down Curry to a mere three points.

The matchup is reminiscent of the 2023 Grizzlies-Lakers series, where an inexperienced yet talented team faced a seasoned, star-led squad. The Rockets, with their disciplined defense, might handle the pressure better than the Grizzlies did, but they lack a strong offensive leader, which could tilt the balance in favor of the experienced Warriors.

No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves

Matchup: No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers
Season series: Lakers 2, Timberwolves 2 

The Timberwolves face Luka Doncic and the Lakers, with Rudy Gobert likely a focal point for Doncic’s offensive attacks. However, the Timberwolves have strong defensive capabilities, particularly against three-point shots, which could disrupt the Lakers’ offensive strategy.

The Lakers’ lack of size might also be a disadvantage against the Timberwolves’ lineup, which includes skilled centers and big wings. This size difference could prove pivotal over a lengthy series.

Despite the star power of Doncic and LeBron James, the Timberwolves present a tough challenge for the Lakers, given the current roster configuration.

No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks

Matchup: No. 4 Indiana Pacers
Season series: Bucks 3, Pacers 1 

The Bucks face the Pacers again, this time without Damian Lillard for at least one game. Despite this, the Bucks have shown they can still be a threat, particularly with a healthy Antetokounmpo dominating the court.

The Pacers had a rocky season but finished strong, with Haliburton leading the resurgence. However, they face a tough opponent in Antetokounmpo, who has excelled against them this season.

This matchup pits a team hitting its stride at the right time against a superstar determined to carry his team through the postseason.

No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers

Matchup: No. 4 Denver Nuggets
Season series: Clippers 2, Nuggets 2

In a rematch of a memorable playoff series, the Clippers face a strong challenge against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. However, with Kawhi Leonard healthy and the recent turmoil within the Nuggets’ coaching staff, the Clippers have factors in their favor.

This series is filled with uncertainties, from Adelman’s debut in the playoffs to how well Leonard and James Harden will perform under playoff pressure. However, the Clippers have shown they can effectively guard Jokic, and Norman Powell has excelled against Denver’s defense.

With Leonard at full strength, the Clippers present a formidable challenge to the Nuggets, making this series a potential upset.