Denver still has the best player in the world in Nikola Jokić. With a exception of a down postseason from his running mate in 2024, Jokić and Jamal Murray are among the league's bigger playoff risers. And the Nuggets ending the season 3-0 under their interim coach could be more than the typical "new coach bump."

Golden State vs. Houston will represent the old guard vs. the up-and-comers. Will Jimmy Butler be the key to the Warriors' fifth title in 11 years?