The 2025 NBA Playoff image is about, with 16 groups competing for the championship after the ultimate 4 spots are decided by the play-in match. The Boston Celtics are dreaming of back-to-back championships, but it surely received’t be straightforward: parity is in full swing with a deep and proficient subject of contenders. The NBA has had a singular champion every of the final six years, and that streak may prolong one other yr with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers among the many title favorites this yr.
The Thunder put up the second-best web score in NBA historical past behind the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls by out-scoring opponents by 12.7 factors per 100 possessions. OKC completed 68-14 regardless of a protracted damage to their second finest participant, large man Chet Holmgren, however heads into the playoffs wholesome. The Thunder ought to have a championship-or-bust mentality, however their second spherical exit final yr leaves the remainder of the West hopeful to drag an upset.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors have renewed hope after acing the commerce deadline. The Lakers someway landed Luka Doncic within the wildest commerce in league historical past. The Warriors grabbed Jimmy Butler, and have been cruising ever since. Neither group has a standard heart taking part in large minutes, however every has size and defensive versatility to go together with a number of stars driving the offense. The East looks like it can come right down to the Celtics vs. the Cavs, however we’ve seen sleepers make Cinderella runs to the Jap Convention Finals a number of occasions lately, together with the Indiana Pacers’ run final yr.
The bracket received’t be absolutely decided till the outcomes of the play-in match. Examine how the play-in match works right here. The Warriors will face the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 7 seed within the West, with the Orlando Magic dealing with the Atlanta Hawks for the seventh spot within the East. The Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings make up a forgettable 9-10 West attempting to backdoor their method into the No. 8 seed, whereas the Chicago Bulls and Miami Warmth have comparable goals within the East.
Listed below are the 2025 NBA Playoff sequence already decided, beginning with the East.
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 seed winner
No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 seed winner.
No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Detroit Pistons
No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks
Now right here’s the Western Convention matchups:
No. 1 Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder vs. No. 8 seed winner
No. 2 Houston Rockets vs. No. 7 seed winner
No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves
No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers
Right here’s the complete playoff bracket and schedule for each first spherical matchup, plus a take a look at the play-in match.
NBA Playoffs 2025 bracket
Each sequence is a best-of-7 within the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Right here’s a take a look at the playoff bracket, which incorporates the single-elimination play-in match matchups on the aspect.
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NBA Playoffs 2025: Begin dates, TV occasions, and extra
2025 NBA playoff schedule
All occasions Jap
Saturday, April 19
Recreation 1: Pacers vs. Bucks, 1 p.m., ESPN/fubo
Recreation 1: Nuggets vs. Clippers, 3:30 p.m., ESPN/fubo
Recreation 1: Knicks vs. Pistons, 6 p.m., ESPN/fubo
Recreation 1: Lakers vs. Timberwolves, 8:30 p.m., ABC/fubo
Sunday, April 20
Recreation 1: Cavaliers vs. TBD, Time/Channel TBD
Recreation 1: Celtics vs. Magic/Hawks, Time/Channel TBD
Recreation 1: Thunder vs. TBD, Time/Channel TBD
Recreation 1: Rockets vs. Warriors/Grizzlies, Time/Channel TBD
The remainder of the NBA Playoffs schedule can be launched later this week.
2025 NBA Play-In Match schedule
Tuesday, April 15
Wednesday, April 16
Friday, April 18
- East 7-8 loser vs. East 9-10 winner, ESPN
- West 7-8 loser vs. West 9-10 winner, TNT