NBA Playoffs 2025: Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals Heat Up
May 10, 2025, 01:12 AM ET
The 2025 NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the second round is delivering all the drama and excitement fans could hope for. As the Eastern and Western conference semifinals unfold, our NBA insiders are here to break down every game, every play, and every moment that matters. Let’s dive into the action and see how the teams are faring in their quest for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference semifinals have been nothing short of thrilling. The No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers started strong, taking a two-game lead over the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Cavaliers bounced back in Game 3, thanks to a stellar 43-point performance by Donovan Mitchell. This victory has kept the series alive, with the Pacers leading 2-1.
Meanwhile, the No. 3 seed New York Knicks have been making waves by leading the series 2-0 against the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics. The Knicks have pulled off two incredible comeback wins, and with home-court advantage for the next two games, they are in a strong position to advance.
(4) Indiana Pacers lead (1) Cleveland Cavaliers 2-1
Game 3: Cavaliers 126, Pacers 104
What we learned: The Cavaliers have finally shown up in the series. Donovan Mitchell’s 43-point performance, along with contributions from Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter, helped the Cavs secure a statement victory. The zone defense in the second quarter was particularly effective, allowing Cleveland to outscore Indiana 34-13 and maintain a 20-point lead.
Game 4: Cavaliers at Pacers (Sunday, 8 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to watch: Despite Indiana’s early success, the Pacers will need to step up in Game 4 to put Cleveland on the brink of elimination. The Cavaliers have been effective in limiting Tyrese Haliburton‘s impact, and the Pacers will need to find a way to counter this strategy. — Jamal Collier
(3) New York Knicks lead (2) Boston Celtics 2-0
Game 2: Knicks 91, Celtics 90
What we learned: The Knicks have proven that their Game 1 victory was no fluke. Despite the Celtics building a 20-point lead in the third quarter, the Knicks mounted a comeback, with Jalen Brunson leading the charge. The Celtics’ offense went cold, allowing the Knicks to secure another dramatic win.
Game 3: Celtics at Knicks (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
What to watch: The Celtics will need to improve their shooting from beyond the arc, as they have struggled in the first two games. Additionally, the team will need to regroup mentally after blowing two significant leads. — Chris Herring
Western Conference
Over in the Western Conference, the No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets have taken a 2-1 lead over the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. After a tough loss in Game 1, the Nuggets bounced back with an overtime thriller in Game 3.
Meanwhile, the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors are tied 1-1 with the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors face a tough challenge without Stephen Curry, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
(4) Denver Nuggets lead (1) Oklahoma City Thunder 2-1
Game 3: Nuggets 113, Thunder 104 (OT)
What we learned: Despite a challenging game for Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets managed to secure an overtime victory. Jokic’s teammates, including Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr, stepped up to lead the team to victory.
Game 4: Thunder at Nuggets (Sunday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
What to watch: All eyes will be on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as he looks to bounce back from a tough Game 3. The Thunder will need a strong performance from their MVP finalist to even the series. — Tim MacMahon
(7) Golden State Warriors tied with (6) Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1
Game 2: Timberwolves 117, Warriors 93
What we learned: The Timberwolves came out strong in Game 2, taking advantage of Stephen Curry’s absence. Julius Randle led the charge, and the Warriors struggled to find their rhythm without their star player.
Game 3: Wolves at Warriors (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
What to watch: The Warriors will need to find a way to generate offense without Curry. Players like Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis will need to step up to keep the series competitive. — Dave McMenamin
As the playoffs continue, fans can expect more thrilling moments and unexpected twists. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the race for the championship heats up.
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
