The Pacers carry no expectations, featuring a core that will probably never reach this stage again after facing a first-round opponent without a two-time MVP (Giannis Antetokounmpo) and a second-round opponent with more injuries than regular rotation players.

The Celtics will be contenders for the foreseeable future, boasting the most-balanced starting five in the NBA. Luka Doncic is shouldering less weight than in seasons past, playing on a balky knee beside Kyrie Irving.

That leaves Anthony Edwards with more at stake than any player left in the postseason.

The 22-year-old Timberwolves superstar is ahead of schedule — he slaying three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the defending champs in Denver in Game 7 — but ascending at the ideal time for a league that seeks someone to take the torch as the next face of the NBA.