NBA Playoffs 2025: Eastern Conference Showdowns and Key Takeaways
Apr 21, 2025, 10:58 PM ET
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 action-packed Eastern Conference matchups and see what’s unfolding on the court.
First up, we have Cade Cunningham and the No. 6 Detroit Pistons, who are making waves in their series against the No. 3 New York Knicks. After a nail-biting Game 2 win at Madison Square Garden, the Pistons are heading back to the Motor City with renewed confidence. This victory marks their first playoff win since 2008, and they’re eager to build on this momentum.
Meanwhile, the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks are eagerly awaiting the return of Damian Lillard for their crucial Game 2 matchup against the No. 4 Indiana Pacers. Lillard’s presence could be a game-changer for the Bucks, who are looking to bounce back after a tough Game 1 loss. The other two Eastern Conference series, featuring the No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the No. 8 Miami Heat and the No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. the No. 7 Orlando Magic, are set to resume on Wednesday.
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 our offseason guides for all 30 teams.
Monday’s Game: Knicks vs. Pistons
The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons are tied 1-1 in their series after the Pistons’ thrilling 100-94 victory in Game 2. This win was a testament to the young Pistons’ grit and mental toughness, especially after their heartbreaking loss in Game 1. In the final moments of Game 2, Dennis Schroder’s clutch three-pointer with 55 seconds left sealed the deal for Detroit, marking their first playoff win since 2008.
As the series shifts to Detroit, the Pistons have a golden opportunity to capitalize on their home-court advantage. The question now is whether they can maintain their momentum and potentially win this slugfest-style series.
Looking ahead to Game 3, all eyes will be on how the game is officiated, as the Pistons outshot the Knicks 34-19 at the free-throw line in Game 2. Additionally, Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns will be under the spotlight after a quiet Game 2 performance, where he scored just 10 points and grabbed six rebounds. With Jalen Brunson and Cade Cunningham essentially canceling each other out, Towns’ response will be crucial for the Knicks.
Pacers vs. Bucks: Game 1 Recap
The Indiana Pacers lead the Milwaukee Bucks 1-0 after a convincing 117-98 victory in Game 1. The Pacers’ depth was on full display, as they overcame Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo-centric attack. Despite Antetokounmpo’s impressive 36 points and 12 rebounds, the Pacers’ defense limited the Bucks’ supporting cast to just 34% shooting from the field.
Indiana’s ball movement was a key factor, with the team recording 28 assists compared to Milwaukee’s 15. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points, and the team’s balanced scoring effort proved too much for the Bucks to handle.
As we look ahead to Game 2, the focus shifts to whether Damian Lillard will make his return for the Bucks. Lillard, who has been sidelined since March 18 due to a blood clot, has returned to practice and is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game. His shot-making ability could be the spark the Bucks need to even the series.
Cavaliers vs. Heat: Game 1 Recap
The Cleveland Cavaliers took a 1-0 lead over the Miami Heat with a dominant 121-100 victory in Game 1. The Cavs’ All-Star guards, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, were in top form, attacking the rim and targeting Heat guard Tyler Herro in isolation situations. However, it was Ty Jerome, Cleveland’s sixth man, who stole the show with his clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
As the series continues, the Heat will need to adjust their defensive strategy. They didn’t employ their patented zone defense until late in the third quarter, allowing the Cavs to score 44 points in the paint. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra may consider using the zone earlier in Game 2 to disrupt Cleveland’s rhythm.
Celtics vs. Magic: Game 1 Recap
The Boston Celtics lead the Orlando Magic 1-0 after a 103-86 victory in Game 1. Despite off nights from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ depth shone through, with Payton Pritchard and Derrick White providing a much-needed spark. Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP, looked healthy after missing the final three regular-season games, contributing 16 points in 30 minutes.
As we look ahead to Game 2, Tatum’s right wrist will be worth monitoring after a hard fall in the fourth quarter. For the Magic, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will need to step up their offensive efforts, as they accounted for the majority of the team’s points in Game 1. Avoiding Boston’s defensive stopper Jrue Holiday will be crucial for Orlando’s success.
Originally Written by: NBA Insiders
