NBA Playoffs 2025: Eastern Conference Drama Unfolds
The 2025 NBA playoffs are heating up, and if you’re a basketball fan, you’re in for a treat. Our NBA insiders are here to guide you through every thrilling moment as teams battle it out for a spot in the Finals. Let’s dive into the latest action from the Eastern Conference, where the competition is fierce and the stakes are high.
On Thursday, Cade Cunningham and the No. 6 seed Detroit Pistons faced off against the No. 3 seed New York Knicks in the Motor City. Unfortunately for the Pistons, they couldn’t hold their ground at home, dropping their first game as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for a whopping 61 points, giving the Knicks a 2-1 series lead.
Friday’s games brought more excitement as the No. 2 Boston Celtics lost Game 3 to the No. 7 seed Orlando Magic. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero were the stars of the night, combining for 61 points. Meanwhile, the No. 5 seed Milwaukee Bucks secured their first victory in the series against the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers. The No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers are set to resume their series with the No. 8 seed Miami Heat on Saturday.
As the Eastern Conference playoffs continue, here’s what you need to know and what to watch for in all four series:
For more coverage, check out the West first-round takeaways and the schedules and results. Plus, don’t miss the offseason guides for all 30 teams.
Friday’s Games Recap
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
The Boston Celtics, currently leading the series 2-1, faced a tough challenge in Game 3 against the Orlando Magic. The Magic pulled off a narrow victory, winning 95-93. Jayson Tatum made a strong return after missing Game 2, scoring 36 points. However, the Celtics struggled with turnovers, committing 21, and their 3-point shooting was off, making just nine. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero were instrumental for the Magic, scoring 32 and 29 points, respectively.
Looking ahead to Game 4, the Celtics need to focus on ball control and improving their 3-point shooting. With injuries affecting key players like Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday, Boston must wrap up the series quickly to allow for some much-needed rest.
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Indiana Pacers lead the series 2-1, but the Milwaukee Bucks finally got on the board with a 117-101 victory in Game 3. Gary Trent Jr. was the hero of the night, scoring a career-high 37 points and matching Ray Allen’s record for the most 3-pointers in a Bucks’ playoff game. Giannis Antetokounmpo also delivered a stellar performance with 37 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
As the series continues, the Bucks need consistent support for Antetokounmpo. Damian Lillard and Kyle Kuzma struggled in Game 3, and Milwaukee must maintain their defensive intensity to keep the series alive.
New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons
The New York Knicks lead the series 2-1 after a hard-fought 118-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 3. Karl-Anthony Towns redeemed himself with a game-high 31 points, while Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges all contributed significantly. The Knicks showed resilience, withstanding several Pistons’ runs and a hostile crowd.
Game 4 promises more drama as the Pistons aim to avoid a 3-1 deficit. Malik Beasley’s shooting will be crucial for Detroit, as he looks to regain his rhythm from beyond the arc.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the series 2-0 after a 121-112 win in Game 2. The Cavs showcased their shooting prowess, setting an NBA record with 11 3-pointers in the second quarter. However, they struggled in the third quarter, allowing the Heat to close the gap. Donovan Mitchell was the hero, scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
As the series shifts to Miami, the Heat will look to Davion Mitchell and Tyler Herro to lead the charge. Erik Spoelstra’s decision to start Mitchell paid off, and the Heat will aim to capitalize on their momentum in Game 3.
Originally Written by: NBA Insiders
