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NBA experts' picks for Knicks-Celtics, Thunder-Nuggets and every second-round series

NBA experts’ picks for Knicks-Celtics, Thunder-Nuggets and every second-round series

2025 NBA Playoffs: Second Round Showdowns and Expert Predictions

The 2025 NBA playoffs are heating up as we dive into the second round, where eight teams are battling it out for a coveted spot in the conference finals. The stakes are high, and the matchups are tantalizing, promising fans a thrilling ride as the postseason drama unfolds. Let’s take a closer look at the matchups and what the experts are predicting for each series.

Eastern Conference: Clash of the Titans

In the Eastern Conference, the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off against the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers. The Cavaliers are coming off a dominant sweep of the Miami Heat in the first round, showcasing their championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the defending champion No. 2 seed Boston Celtics are gearing up to take on the No. 3 seed New York Knicks, a matchup that promises to be a classic showdown.

Our NBA insiders have weighed in with their predictions for these Eastern Conference battles:

  • Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs. Indiana Pacers (4)
  • Tim MacMahon: Cavaliers in 6
  • Kevin Pelton: Cavaliers in 6
  • Ramona Shelburne: Cavaliers in 6
  • Andre Snellings: Cavaliers in 6
  • Jorge Sedano: Cavaliers in 7
  • Jerry Bembry: Cavaliers in 6
  • Dave McMenamin: Cavaliers in 6
  • Jamal Collier: Cavaliers in 6
  • Chris Herring: Cavaliers in 6
  • Marc Spears: Cavaliers in 6
  • Jeremy Woo: Cavaliers in 6
  • Tim Bontemps: Cavaliers in 7

Final tally: Cleveland 12, Indiana 0

Boston Celtics (2) vs. New York Knicks (3)

  • Tim MacMahon: Celtics in 6
  • Kevin Pelton: Celtics in 5
  • Ramona Shelburne: Celtics in 6
  • Andre Snellings: Celtics in 7
  • Jorge Sedano: Celtics in 6
  • Jerry Bembry: Celtics in 5
  • Dave McMenamin: Celtics in 7
  • Jamal Collier: Celtics in 6
  • Chris Herring: Celtics in 5
  • Marc Spears: Celtics in 6
  • Jeremy Woo: Celtics in 6
  • Tim Bontemps: Celtics in 5

Final tally: Boston 12, New York 0

Western Conference: Battle for Supremacy

Over in the Western Conference, the action is just as intense. The Denver Nuggets are coming off a thrilling seven-game series victory and are now set to challenge the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves are preparing to face the Golden State Warriors, a matchup that has fans buzzing with anticipation.

Here’s what the experts are saying about these Western Conference matchups:

  • Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs. Denver Nuggets (4)
  • Kevin Pelton: Thunder in 6
  • Ramona Shelburne: Thunder in 7
  • Jorge Sedano: Thunder in 6
  • Jerry Bembry: Thunder in 6
  • Dave McMenamin: Thunder in 6
  • Jamal Collier: Thunder in 7
  • Chris Herring: Thunder in 7
  • Marc Spears: Thunder in 6
  • Jeremy Woo: Thunder in 7
  • Andre Snellings: Thunder in 7

Final tally: Oklahoma City 10, Denver 0

Minnesota Timberwolves (6) vs. Golden State Warriors (7)

  • Omar Raja: Timberwolves in 7
  • Jamal Collier: Timberwolves in 6
  • Jorge Sedano: Timberwolves in 7
  • Chris Herring: Timberwolves in 7
  • Dave McMenamin: Timberwolves in 7
  • Kevin Pelton: Timberwolves in 7
  • Jeremy Woo: Timberwolves in 7
  • Ohm Youngmisuk: Timberwolves in 7
  • Andre Snellings: Timberwolves in 6
  • Jerry Bembry: Timberwolves in 6
  • Ramona Shelburne: Warriors in 6

Final tally: Minnesota 10, Golden State 1

As the second round unfolds, fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable moments. Will the Cavaliers and Celtics continue their dominance in the East? Can the Thunder and Timberwolves rise to the occasion in the West? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2025 NBA playoffs are delivering the excitement and drama that basketball fans crave.

Original source article rewritten by our AI can be read here.
Originally Written by: NBA insiders

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NBA experts' picks for Knicks-Celtics, Thunder-Nuggets and every second-round series

NBA experts’ picks for Knicks-Celtics, Thunder-Nuggets and every second-round series

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Eagles The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are up against arguably the best team they’ve faced in a Super Bowl during the Mahomes era. The Eagles have been formidable, losing only three games all season, two of which were due to dropped passes that could have sealed victories. This Eagles team is stronger than the one the Chiefs defeated two years ago and even more intimidating than the 49ers teams Kansas City bested in Super Bowls LIV and LVIII. Philadelphia’s prowess is such that they are considered more daunting than the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers, who handed Mahomes his only championship game defeat in Super Bowl LV. While this may not be the best Chiefs team we’ve seen, it might be the craftiest. The Chiefs have consistently found ways to win, often in spectacularly close games. Their victory over the Bills in the AFC Championship Game was their 15th consecutive win in games decided by seven points or fewer. The question remains: Can the Eagles prevent the Chiefs from making history? Meet the Teams Kansas City Chiefs Coach: Andy Reid Andy Reid, with his wealth of playoff and Super Bowl experience, has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ success. In 26 seasons, Reid boasts a 28-16 postseason record and a 3-2 Super Bowl record. Despite challenges such as injuries and defensive inconsistencies, Reid has guided the Chiefs to the brink of a third consecutive championship. How did they get here? The Chiefs’ journey to a 17-2 record, including two playoff victories, was no easy feat. Kansas City won 11 regular-season games and the AFC Championship Game against the Bills by one score, often relying on a mix of skill and luck. A blocked field goal in Week 10 against the Broncos exemplified their ability to make crucial plays at critical moments. Philadelphia Eagles Coach: Nick Sirianni Nick Sirianni has made history as the first coach in the Super Bowl era to reach the playoffs in each of his first four seasons while making multiple Super Bowl appearances. With a regular-season record of 48-20, Sirianni’s winning percentage ranks third in the modern era, trailing only legends John Madden and George Allen. How did they get here? The Eagles’ season began with a shaky 2-2 start, but they quickly found their rhythm. A focus on Saquon Barkley during their Week 5 bye propelled them to a 10-game winning streak and a 14-3 regular-season record. Philadelphia’s top-ranked rushing game and defense earned them the No. 2 seed in the NFC, culminating in a dominant 55-23 victory over the Commanders in the NFC title game. Quarterback Breakdown Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Despite a “down year” by his standards, Mahomes remains a formidable force. 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