NBA Playoffs 2025: Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals Drama Unfolds
May 11, 2025, 11:00 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 Eastern Conference semifinals have been nothing short of electrifying. The No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers have taken the playoffs by storm, leading the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1. The Pacers kicked off the series with a bang, securing a 2-0 lead. Although the Cavaliers managed to bounce back in Game 3, the Pacers dominated Game 4 with a lopsided victory, taking the series 3-1.
On the other side of the bracket, the third-seeded New York Knicks are leading the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics 2-1. The Knicks pulled off two outstanding comeback wins, but the Celtics responded with a blowout victory in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Game 4: Pacers 129, Cavaliers 109
What we learned: Despite being heavy underdogs, the Indiana Pacers have seized a 3-1 series advantage over the top-seeded Cavaliers. Their 20-point victory in Game 4 was marked by a 44-point lead at one point, the largest in a playoff game since 1998. The Pacers’ adjustments to the Cavs’ zone defense were evident as they outscored Cleveland by 26 points in the third quarter. Indiana capitalized on turnovers, scoring 35 points in transition. With Donovan Mitchell suffering an ankle injury, the Cavaliers are not at full strength, and the Pacers are poised to return to the Eastern Conference finals.
Game 5: Pacers at Cavaliers (Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to watch: Can the Cavaliers save their season? Cleveland’s offense has struggled, and with Donovan Mitchell’s ankle injury, the team faces an uphill battle. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley need to step up, and the Cavs must hit their shots to keep pace with Indiana’s offense. — Jamal Collier
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Game 3: Celtics 115, Knicks 93
What we learned: The Celtics found their rhythm in Game 3, hitting 20 triples on 40 attempts after struggling in the first two games. Boston built a massive lead, taking the Knicks and the Madison Square Garden crowd out of the game. The Celtics’ ball movement was key to their success.
Game 4: Celtics at Knicks (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
What to watch: Can the Knicks avoid falling behind early and make use of their clutch instincts? Boston’s shooting resurgence poses a challenge, and New York must find ways to generate transition opportunities. — Chris Herring
Western Conference
The Western Conference semifinals are equally thrilling. The No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets and the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder are tied 2-2. After a lopsided loss, the Nuggets secured an overtime victory in Game 3, but the Thunder responded with a clutch win in Game 4.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves lead the Golden State Warriors 2-1. The Timberwolves stole Game 3 at Chase Center, and the Warriors are eagerly awaiting Stephen Curry’s return as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets
Game 4: Thunder 92, Nuggets 87
What we learned: An early-afternoon start after a grueling overtime game led to a low-scoring affair. The Nuggets struggled with shooting but managed to stay in the game. The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered clutch performances to secure the win.
Game 5: Nuggets at Thunder (Tuesday, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to watch: How will Nikola Jokic respond to his recent struggles? The Nuggets need their MVP to overcome the Thunder’s defense and regain his form. — Tim MacMahon
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors
Game 3: Timberwolves 102, Warriors 97
What we learned: “Playoff Jimmy” Butler and “Playmaking” Julius Randle shone in Game 3. Randle’s triple-double and Anthony Edwards’ scoring prowess propelled the Timberwolves to victory. With Stephen Curry sidelined, the Warriors face an uphill battle.
Game 4: Timberwolves at Warriors (Monday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN)
What to watch: The Timberwolves have the momentum, and the Warriors must find offensive support for Butler and Kuminga. With Curry out, the Warriors’ margin for error is slim. — Ohm Youngmisuk
- Can the Cavaliers overcome injuries and save their season?
- Will the Celtics continue their shooting resurgence?
- How will Jokic respond to the Thunder’s defense?
- Can the Warriors find a way to win without Curry?
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
