The NBA playoffs are heating up, and the second round is set to deliver some of the most thrilling matchups we've seen in years. With the Cavs-Pistons and Sixers-Knicks battling it out in the East, and Lakers-Thunder and Timberwolves-Spurs clashing in the West, the question on every fan's mind is simple: who's heading to the final four? Let's break down the predictions and the biggest takeaways so far.

Sixers vs. Knicks: A Battle of Grit and Health

This series is shaping up to be a heavyweight fight, and the Knicks have the edge according to our experts. Tom Haberstroh sees New York winning in seven games, pointing to Joel Embiid's troubling playoff history. "I just don’t know how much Embiid we’ll see," Haberstroh notes, highlighting that the Sixers' star has missed games in four of the last five playoff series. While the Embiid vs. Karl-Anthony Towns matchup is must-watch TV, consistency is key.

Kelly Iko agrees with a Knicks win in seven, emphasizing how Towns has transformed New York's offense. "Something clicked for the Knicks in the first round," Iko says, noting that Towns as a high-functioning offensive hub has made them nearly unstoppable. The key will be how the Knicks slow down a healthy Embiid, but their depth and physicality should carry them through.

Ben Rohrbach is even more confident, predicting a Knicks victory in six games. He points out that the Sixers relied heavily on just six players in their upset over Boston, and Embiid's health remains a major question mark. "So much falls on Embiid’s shoulders, and I’m just not sure how long he can carry that load," Rohrbach says.

Dan Titus rounds out the predictions with another Knicks win in seven, echoing concerns about Embiid's durability. The Embiid-KAT matchup will be electric, but New York's depth gives them the clear advantage in a series that could go the distance.