More likely upset: Timberwolves over Lakers or Pistons over Knicks?

The playoffs have offered NBA fans several competitive series, and the first two games indicate that both the Timberwolves and Pistons are ready to compete. Despite starting on the road with the odds stacked against them, each team managed to secure impressive victories away from home. As the series moves to their respective home arenas, both teams have an opportunity to achieve surprising upsets. With both series tied at 1-1, which team is likelier to pull off a first-round upset: the Timberwolves or the Pistons?

In Game 1, Minnesota dominated the Lakers on the road, thanks in part to an exceptional shooting performance. The Timberwolves shot an impressive 50% from three-point range while exhibiting strong physical defense, limiting the Lakers to just 95 points on their home court. However, Game 2 was a different story for the Timberwolves. The Lakers came out with much more energy and effort at the start of the game. Unlike in Game 1, Minnesota struggled with their shooting, hitting only 5 of 25 attempts from three-point range, and they also faced foul trouble.

The Timberwolves accomplished what any lower-seeded team aims to do in a playoff series: they secured at least one win on the road in the first two games. Now, they return home for Games 3 and 4. However, they are still awaiting a standout performance from their superstar, Anthony Edwards. The Lakers managed to contain him fairly well in the first two games, as he is shooting only 40.9% from the field. Expect Edwards to take charge and deliver a strong offensive performance as he aims to swing the series back in the Timberwolves' favor.

Despite this young Pistons team winning their first playoff game in 17 years and splitting the first two games of the series, they are likely disappointed with how they closed Game 1. Detroit could have held a commanding 2-0 series lead if not for their monumental fourth-quarter collapse. With nine minutes remaining in Game 1, the Pistons were leading 98-90 before the Knicks unleashed a 21-0 run, spearheaded by Jalen Brunson and Cam Payne. The Pistons went from an eight-point lead to a 13-point deficit before they managed to score again.

In Game 2, the Pistons made a strong comeback, led by Cade Cunningham, who is likely to be an All-NBA selection this season. Cunningham scored 33 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, leading the team to a 100-94 victory over the Knicks. Detroit will rely on Cunningham to maintain his high level of play, especially against New York, where he has excelled all season long. He averages the most points against the Knicks this season, scoring an average of 30.8 points per game in four matchups during the regular season. Cunningham's ability to create mismatches for the Knicks will be crucial in this series, as the Pistons aim to gain the upper hand. The Pistons also took advantage of Karl Anthony Towns' disappointing performance in the second half of Game 2, while the Knicks had difficulty finding consistent scoring options beyond Jalen Brunson.

I expect both series to be lengthy and competitive, as each team has difference-makers who can sway the series in their favor. However, the team most likely to pull off an upset is the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons' physicality and grit, along with their favorable matchups against the Knicks, give them a chance to win their first playoff series in nearly two decades.