NBA Playoffs 2025: A Deep Dive into the Eastern and Western Conference Matchups
The 2025 NBA playoffs are finally here, and what a thrilling ride it has been to get to this point! The Eastern Conference bracket was finalized on Friday, while the Western Conference kept us on the edge of our seats until the very last game. It was an overtime showdown between Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors and Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers that sealed the deal. Now, we have 20 teams vying for the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy, and five of these teams have never tasted championship glory before. Let’s dive into the details and see what each conference has in store for us.
Eastern Conference: The Battle for Supremacy
In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the top seed after an impressive 64-win regular season. Their dominance has been evident, but the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, are hot on their heels in the No. 2 spot. The Celtics are hungry for a back-to-back Finals win, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since the Warriors did it in 2017 and 2018. This drought without a repeat champion is one of the longest in NBA history, adding an extra layer of excitement to this year’s playoffs.
The Cavaliers have built their success on depth and team-wide shooting, with All-Star guards and elite, defensive-minded bigs. Their modern approach has allowed them to crush opponents consistently. However, their lack of great perimeter size is a vulnerability, especially against the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown from Boston. To address this, the Cavs made a midseason trade for De’Andre Hunter. Despite this, they finished the season with an 8-8 record over their final 16 games, not the momentum they would have hoped for heading into the postseason.
One of the key questions for the Cavaliers is whether they can regain their elite 3-point shooting form. Before March 11, they were No. 1 in 3-point shooting percentage, but since then, they’ve dropped to 19th. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, their lead guards, have seen significant swings in their shooting percentages, which could impact their margin for error in the playoffs.
For the Celtics, the main concern is health. They’ve cruised through the season despite dealing with injuries, particularly to Kristaps Porzingis. If they can have a healthy playoff run with all eight of their key rotation players, they will be the clear favorites to defend their title. However, Porzingis’ injury history and the age of key players like Al Horford add an element of uncertainty.
As the playoffs begin, the Celtics will face the Orlando Magic in the first round. Given Orlando’s offensive struggles, there shouldn’t be much drama on the court. However, the focus will be on Jaylen Brown’s right knee, as his health will be crucial for Boston’s title defense.
Western Conference: Chaos and Opportunity
The Western Conference was a chaotic mess down to the final minute of the regular season. The Clippers’ victory over the Warriors secured them the No. 5 seed and a matchup against Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves claimed the No. 6 seed and will face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The play-in tournament began on Tuesday, with the No. 7 vs. 8 games, and the first round starts on Saturday. Our NBA insiders have broken down all 20 teams, analyzing their seasons, best-case scenarios, and key aspects to watch for in the play-in and first round.
In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as the No. 1 seed, led by MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder have broken the NBA record for point differential, despite Chet Holmgren missing most of the season. Their stingy defense, led by Luguentz Dort, has been a key factor in their success.
The Houston Rockets, under coach Ime Udoka, have built a gritty and tough team with an emphasis on hustle and defense. Despite their lack of playoff experience, their physicality and style of play could make them a formidable opponent. The Rockets will face the Golden State Warriors in the first round, a team rejuvenated by the addition of Jimmy Butler.
The Los Angeles Lakers, with Luka Doncic now in their ranks, have had a season filled with drama and success. Their trio of Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves will be crucial in the playoffs, as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
As the playoffs unfold, the excitement and unpredictability of the NBA postseason are sure to captivate fans around the world. With so many storylines and potential upsets, this year’s playoffs promise to be one for the ages.
Originally Written by: NBA Insiders
