NBA Insiders: Second Round Drama Unfolds in 2025 Playoffs
May 12, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs has been nothing short of exhilarating, with overtime thrillers and fourth-quarter comebacks keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The higher-seeded teams in the conference semifinals stumbled out of the gate, unable to secure a win in Game 1. However, the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves have since found their footing and bounced back.
As the pressure mounts, injuries to key players like Stephen Curry and Karl-Anthony Towns add an unpredictable element to the series. With the playoffs in full swing, our NBA insiders are here to break down the biggest takeaways, spotlight the players under pressure, and highlight what to watch as teams vie for a spot in the conference finals.
(3) New York Knicks vs. (2) Boston Celtics
Who is under the most pressure for Monday’s vital Game 4?
When it comes to pressure, the spotlight often falls on the stars. For the Celtics, that means Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum’s game is a mix of long jumpers and a tendency to avoid contact, while Brown’s shooting has been only marginally better than Tatum’s, with a dismal 5-of-23 on 3-pointers. Despite these struggles, the Celtics have five players averaging in double figures and a reputation as a formidable force.
On the other hand, the Knicks are in dire need of a standout performance from All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. While his clutch performances have earned him high praise in New York, Brunson is currently being stifled by the Celtics’ defense, particularly by Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. Shooting just 38% in the series, Brunson is also being kept off the free-throw line, with only 18 trips in three games, a 33% decrease from his average against the Detroit Pistons in the first round. The Knicks are averaging a mere 95 points in regulation and shooting a lowly 42% in the series. With Karl-Anthony Towns dealing with a left hand injury, the Celtics are more determined than ever to exploit Mitchell Robinson‘s free-throw woes, as he is a dismal 7-of-23 at the line. — Brian Windhorst
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (1) Oklahoma City Thunder
This series will go to Game 7 if ____
Nikola Jokic can find his shooting rhythm in one of the next two games. The three-time MVP is experiencing an unusual slump, shooting under 40% from the floor in three consecutive games with at least 15 attempts for the first time in his career, according to ESPN Research. Jokic, known for his efficiency, shot 33.3% during this stretch and has more turnovers than assists in the series. Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense deserves credit for making Jokic’s job challenging, and they will continue to apply pressure as the series progresses. — Tim MacMahon
(7) Golden State Warriors vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
What is the Wolves’ biggest weakness, and how do the Warriors exploit that without Stephen Curry?
The Timberwolves, one of four teams to rank in the top 10 in both offense and defense during the regular season, have a 23-6 record since March. However, they have struggled with turnovers, committing more than the Warriors in two of the three games, including Game 3, where they had 21 to the Warriors’ 15. Despite this, Golden State only managed 13 points off the Wolves’ mistakes, while Minnesota scored 16 off the Warriors’. If the Warriors can leverage players like Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, and Jonathan Kuminga to disrupt the Wolves’ ball handlers and improve their transition game, they might extend the series and give Curry a chance to return for Game 6. — Dave McMenamin
(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (1) Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs can bounce back in this series if they ____
Rediscover their historically great offense from the regular season. Cleveland had the No. 1 offensive rating in the NBA. But outside of Donovan Mitchell, it has been a struggle offensively all series, culminating in Game 4’s blowout loss that put the Cavs on the brink of elimination. In the first half of Sunday night’s contest, the Cavs scored 39 points while generating three assists and committing 14 turnovers. To make matters worse, Mitchell, who is averaging the most points in a playoff series by a Cavs player since LeBron James, did not play in the second half because of an ankle injury. — Jamal Collier
Bonus!
What has been the biggest surprise of the second round so far?
For the first time in NBA history, three teams have posted a point differential of plus-9 or better per game. Then those same squads — the Thunder, Cavaliers, and Celtics — cruised in the first round, going a combined 12-1 against overmatched play-in teams. They all seemed on a collision course for the conference finals and/or NBA Finals.
So, even while acknowledging the role that injuries and shooting luck have played, it’s an immense surprise that this trio is collectively struggling in the second round. The big three from the regular season are a combined 4-7 against Denver, Indiana, and New York in these playoffs. Those same big three might all still advance, as expected. But the unexpected parity has made for more entertaining games and a more competitive round overall. — Zach Kram
My NBA Finals picks are:
Even though both trailed 2-1 as of Sunday morning, I’m sticking with the Celtics and the Thunder. Boston’s Game 3 performance was a reminder of its matchup advantages against the Knicks when it makes 3s. The Celtics would surely be favored if they make the Eastern Conference finals. Out West, Minnesota is the safest bet on the board to reach the conference finals and also has matched up well with Oklahoma City this season. Still, the Thunder are back in a position of having home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, making them the favorites. — Kevin Pelton
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
