As the 2025 NBA Playoffs progress into the second round, the postseason is shaping up with both expected contenders and surprising upstarts. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder have advanced convincingly, but teams like the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors are poised to put up a fight.
In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics and Cavaliers lead the field, but the Pacers remain a threat, and the surging Knicks stand in the way first. The Celtics, defending champions, dispatched the Orlando Magic in five games, showcasing their depth, defense and postseason composure. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to lead a balanced attack, and with Jrue Holiday anchoring the backcourt, Boston looks poised for another Finals push.
However, they’ll need to outlast a gritty Knicks squad whose physical defense and Jalen Brunson’s late-game heroics could drag the series into uncomfortable territory. If the Celtics maintain offensive consistency and stay healthy, they should survive the gauntlet and advance to the conference finals, but New York’s toughness will make them earn every inch.
The Cavaliers, the top seed in the East, dominated the Miami Heat in a four-game sweep, culminating in a 138–83 victory, the largest playoff win margin in NBA history. Their next challenge comes from the Indiana Pacers, who eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks in a dramatic 119–118 overtime win on April 29. Tyrese Haliburton’s leadership and clutch performance have been instrumental in Indiana’s unlikely success.
The Pacers’ resilience and recent form suggest they could push Cleveland, but the Cavaliers’ elite defense and dominant frontcourt, led by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, can neutralize Indiana’s transition-heavy offense and limit Haliburton’s playmaking windows. With Donovan Mitchell’s scoring and playoff experience, Cleveland has the edge in closing tight games that Indiana may struggle to finish.
In the Western Conference, the Thunder are well positioned to move forward while other talented teams remain close behind. Oklahoma City boasts the league’s best regular-season record, swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, and awaits the winner of the Denver Nuggets–Los Angeles Clippers series, which Denver currently leads 3–2.
The Nuggets’ offense runs through Nikola Jokić’s unmatched versatility, while the Clippers’ aging, injury-riddled core has no consistent answer for over a seven-game stretch. Denver’s continuity, depth and championship experience give them a clear advantage against a Clippers team still searching for rhythm.
The Golden State Warriors lead their series against the Houston Rockets 3–2, with Game 6 scheduled for May 2. The Warriors’ playoff experience, led by Stephen Curry, could prove decisive as they aim to close out the series.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 to advance to the semifinals. The Timberwolves’ young core, including Anthony Edwards, has been impressive and will help carry them to future victories. With Rudy Gobert controlling the paint against L.A., Minnesota simply has too much length, energy and cohesion to not keep advancing.
If the Celtics and Cavaliers advance, their Eastern Conference Finals matchup would feature two of the league’s most balanced teams. Cleveland’s youth and depth could challenge Boston’s experience, making for a tightly contested series.
While the Celtics are defending champions and possess one of the deepest rosters in the league, their recent inconsistencies could be a vulnerability against the Cavaliers’ momentum. Cleveland’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive versatility, led by Mitchell and Mobley, and their hunger to emerge from the shadow of the LeBron era make them my pick to take the East.
Out West, expect the Timberwolves and Warriors to play in the semifinals, setting up a clash of styles that ultimately favors Golden State’s playoff-tested shot-making. Minnesota’s league-best defense powered them past the Lakers—but their half-court offense remains shaky in high-pressure moments. That’s where the Warriors thrive. Curry remains a threat, while Jonathan Kuminga’s breakout and Draymond Green’s leadership provide the postseason savvy Minnesota lacks. Golden State’s spacing and off-ball movement will test the Wolves’ defensive discipline; Warriors in six.
Meanwhile, the Thunder will get past the Nuggets. Denver leans heavily on Jokić’s brilliance, but OKC’s athleticism and depth, featuring MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rising star Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, overwhelm Denver’s thinner bench. The Thunder finished the regular season first in the West and second in net rating, proving they’re not just a fun story; they’re built to win now.
That sets up a Western Conference Finals between the Thunder and Warriors: old guard vs. new wave. But OKC’s length, defensive switching and pace will wear down the older Warriors. They can hunt mismatches, switch across all positions and push in transition, exposing Golden State’s aging backcourt. Thunder in six, and onto the Finals.
Given current trajectories, a Finals matchup between the Cavaliers and Thunder appears likely. Both teams have showcased elite two-way play and roster depth, but the Thunder’s blend of youth, poise and explosiveness gives them the edge. With Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrating one of the league’s most efficient offenses and Holmgren anchoring a top five defense, Oklahoma City is built for the moment and poised to capture its first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
