NBA Playoffs 2025: Eastern Conference Showdowns and Surprises
Apr 28, 2025, 10:07 PM ET
The 2025 NBA playoffs are heating up, and if you’re a fan of basketball drama, 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 Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers are making headlines.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, holding the No. 1 seed, have made a statement by sweeping the No. 8 seed Miami Heat. This victory on Monday marked them as the first team in the East to advance to the second round. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons’ valiant effort to even their first-round series fell short on Sunday, as the New York Knicks head back to Madison Square Garden with a chance to close it out on Tuesday.
In another exciting matchup, the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics are on the brink of sweeping the No. 7 seed Orlando Magic after taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. The No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers also have a chance to close out their series after defeating the No. 5 seed Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
As the Eastern Conference playoffs continue, here’s what matters most and what to watch for in all four series:
For more coverage, check out the West first-round takeaways and the schedules and results. Don’t miss the offseason guides for insights into what’s next for each team.
Monday’s Game: Cavaliers vs. Heat
The Cleveland Cavaliers have swept the Miami Heat 4-0, with a decisive Game 4 victory of 138-83. It was a game that showcased the Cavs’ dominance, as they led 70-25 late in the second quarter. The Cavs started the game 11-of-20 from 3-point range, while the Heat struggled at 2-of-23. The Cavs’ intensity was unmatched, and they capitalized on the Heat’s lethargy.
With Darius Garland out due to a sprained toe, the Cavs leaned on De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade, who stepped up to fill the void. This strategy of playing big lineups could be a valuable asset for the Cavs as they face stronger teams later in the postseason. The Cavs’ ability to adapt and dominate is a lesson they can carry forward.
For a detailed breakdown of the game, check out the game recap.
Knicks vs. Pistons: A Physical Battle
The New York Knicks lead the Detroit Pistons 3-1 after a nail-biting Game 4 victory of 94-93. The game was marked by physicality, with the officials allowing both teams to battle it out. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were the stars of the show, outscoring the Pistons 22-21 in the fourth quarter. Brunson’s clutch shotmaking and Towns’ deep winning triple were pivotal in securing the win.
As the series heads back to Madison Square Garden, the Pistons will need to start strong to avoid elimination. The Knicks have the momentum, and the Garden crowd will be a force to reckon with. For more insights, read the game recap.
Celtics vs. Magic: A Test of Endurance
The Boston Celtics are leading the Orlando Magic 3-1 after a hard-fought Game 4 victory of 107-98. The Magic have dictated the pace with their physicality and aggressive defense, but the Celtics’ talent shone through. Jayson Tatum’s 37 points and 14 rebounds were instrumental in the win, and Kristaps Porzingis’ 19 points provided the necessary support.
As the series returns to Boston, the Celtics will be eager to close it out and get some rest before the next round. The Magic, however, have shown they can challenge the Celtics, making Game 5 a must-watch. For a detailed analysis, check out the game recap.
Pacers vs. Bucks: A Series on the Brink
The Indiana Pacers lead the Milwaukee Bucks 3-1 after a commanding Game 4 victory of 129-103. The Bucks faced a setback with Damian Lillard’s injury, and without him, they struggled to match the Pacers’ offensive firepower. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 28 points were not enough, as the Bucks’ supporting cast failed to step up.
With Lillard’s status uncertain, the Bucks face an uphill battle in Game 5. The Pacers, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their momentum and close out the series. For more details, read the game recap.
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
