NBA Playoffs 2025: First Round Drama Unfolds
As we dive into the second week of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the excitement is palpable. The first round has already delivered some thrilling matchups, and fans are on the edge of their seats. One of the most notable outcomes so far is the Oklahoma City Thunder’s sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder, as the No. 1 seed, have shown their dominance early on, setting the tone for what could be a deep playoff run.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the top four seeds are on the verge of advancing to the second round. The Cleveland Cavaliers, holding the No. 1 seed, are poised to complete a sweep on Monday. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers, seeded second, third, and fourth respectively, will have their chance to close out their series on Tuesday. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling race to the Eastern Conference finals.
The Western Conference, on the other hand, has been nothing short of a battleground. The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers, seeded fourth and fifth, are locked in a fierce battle. Their series opened with an overtime thriller, followed by a game-winning buzzer-beating dunk from Denver’s Aaron Gordon. The Golden State Warriors, seeded seventh, face uncertainty as they await the status of Jimmy Butler III, who is dealing with a pelvis injury. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, the No. 3 seed, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which has put them down 3-1 in the series.
Week 1 of the playoffs has been a showcase of superstar highlights and nail-biting fourth quarters. Our NBA insiders have been keeping a close eye on the action, breaking down what has caught their attention and what to watch for in the coming days.
Eastern Conference Finals: Cavaliers vs. Celtics?
With the Cavaliers up 3-0 and the Celtics leading 3-1 in their respective series, many are speculating about a potential Eastern Conference finals matchup between these two powerhouses. However, it’s important not to overlook the Indiana Pacers, who are also up 3-1 against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers finished the season strong with a 14-4 record, and Tyrese Haliburton’s health has been a key factor in their postseason success. The Pacers have the ability to match up with the Cavaliers and stretch the floor, making them a formidable opponent. While the Celtics are favored in a potential series against the Knicks, the Cavaliers will need to respect the challenge that the Pacers could present. — Brian Windhorst
Mid-Series Adjustments: Who Needs Them Most?
The Detroit Pistons have shown flashes of potential against the Knicks, but their youth and poor decision-making have cost them, leaving them down 3-1. In Game 4, the Pistons committed 19 turnovers, mirroring their Game 1 defeat. Without a solid offensive rebounder like Isaiah Stewart, and struggling from deep with a 35.2% three-point shooting percentage, the Pistons have yet to outshoot the Knicks in any game this series. Leaning more on Dennis Schroder alongside Cade Cunningham could help Detroit take better care of the ball and turn the tide in their favor. — Chris Herring
Warriors’ Game Plan: Winning Without Butler?
For the Golden State Warriors, getting Jimmy Butler III back would be a significant boost. Butler is questionable but has had five days to recover from a deep gluteal muscle contusion. Even if Butler remains sidelined, the Warriors have a blueprint for success from their 104-93 victory in Game 3. Stephen Curry will need to carry the team, as he did with 36 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Contributions from Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II will also be crucial. Defensively, the Warriors must focus on containing Jalen Green, who has struggled in the Rockets’ losses. — Ohm Youngmisuk
Bucks’ Hopes Without Lillard
The Milwaukee Bucks face an uphill battle, down 3-1 with two potential games in Indianapolis, and Damian Lillard’s status uncertain due to a leg injury. Coach Doc Rivers must prioritize finding a lineup that can get stops, as the Pacers have been scoring at will. Starting Ryan Rollins, who filled in for Lillard during the Bucks’ season-ending winning streak, alongside Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez, could be the key to turning the series around. — Kevin Pelton
Grizzlies’ Offseason: What’s Next?
After a first-round sweep and a coaching change, the Memphis Grizzlies have some decisions to make. Securing extensions for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama is a priority. The team needs to establish a clear direction, as their recent coaching changes have led to confusion. Creating a solid identity will be crucial for the Grizzlies to compete in the competitive Western Conference. — Ramona Shelburne
Lakers vs. Timberwolves: The Depth Factor
The Lakers-Timberwolves series is coming down to depth. The Wolves’ bench has outperformed the Lakers’ reserves, and coach JJ Redick has been hesitant to rely on his bench. Minnesota’s bench contributions from Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid have been instrumental in supporting stars Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. The Lakers will need to find a way to match the Wolves’ depth if they hope to turn the series around. — Dave McMenamin
Western Conference Surprises
One of the biggest surprises in the Western Conference has been the reliance on top players by coaches JJ Redick and David Adelman. With their teams down 2-1 on the road, both coaches have leaned heavily on their starters. Adelman was forced to do so due to Russell Westbrook’s injury, while Redick made history by playing five players the entire second half without a substitution. — Pelton
Clippers’ Chances Against the Thunder
The LA Clippers, currently battling the Nuggets, have the potential to challenge the Thunder in the next round. With a strong defensive team and a superstar in Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have the ingredients to compete with the Thunder. Offseason additions Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. will play key roles in defending against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, making the Clippers a formidable opponent. — Tim MacMahon
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
