NBA Conference Semifinals: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Playoffs
May 9, 2025, 10:43 PM ET
The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is in full swing, 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 of the Eastern and Western conference semifinals. Let’s dive into the action-packed series and see how the teams are faring as they chase the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Eastern Conference
The No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers have made a strong start in the East semis, taking a two-game lead over the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Cavaliers bounced back in Game 3 on Friday night, thanks to Donovan Mitchell‘s incredible 43-point performance. This series is heating up, and the Pacers will need to regroup to maintain their lead.
Meanwhile, the third-seeded New York Knicks are leading their series 2-0 against the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics. The Knicks have pulled off two outstanding comeback wins, and with the advantage of homecourt for the next two games, they are in a strong position to advance.
Western Conference
In the West, the No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets are looking to take the lead in their series against the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder after a substantial loss in Game 2. The Nuggets have a chance to turn things around at home in Game 3.
Additionally, the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors are facing a tough challenge. After losing Stephen Curry in a Game 1 win and subsequently losing Game 2, they will need to dig deep as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday to see who takes the series lead.
Key Matchups and What to Watch
- Cavaliers vs. Pacers: The Cavaliers have finally arrived, with Donovan Mitchell leading the charge. His 43-point performance in Game 3 was a statement, and the Cavs’ healthy rotation made a significant impact. The Pacers will need to find a way to counter Cleveland’s zone defense, which stifled their offense in Game 3.
- Knicks vs. Celtics: The Knicks have shown resilience, coming back from significant deficits in both games. The Celtics, known for their road prowess, will need to find their shooting rhythm and regain their composure to avoid falling further behind.
- Thunder vs. Nuggets: The Nuggets will look to counter the Thunder’s adjustments, particularly the defensive switch that limited Nikola Jokic in Game 2. Denver’s response in Game 3 will be crucial.
- Warriors vs. Timberwolves: With Curry sidelined, the Warriors’ offense struggled in Game 2. They’ll need contributions from players like Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis to stay competitive in the series.
As the playoffs continue, each game becomes more critical, and the pressure mounts for these teams. The quest for the championship is heating up, and fans can expect more thrilling moments as the series progress. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the 2025 NBA playoffs unfold.
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
