The 2025 NBA Playoffs officially began on April 19, following the conclusion of the Play-In Tournament on April 18, which saw the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and Memphis Grizzlies clinch the final playoff spots. The postseason features a 16-team bracket battling in best-of-seven series across both conferences.
Opening Weekend Highlights
Saturday’s opening slate featured four Game 1 matchups:
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Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 117-98, showcasing the Pacers’ depth and ball movement. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 36 points and 12 rebounds, the Bucks struggled with limited support and only 15 assists compared to Indiana’s 28. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points.
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The Denver Nuggets edged out the Los Angeles Clippers in a thrilling overtime victory, 112-110, with Nikola Jokić and Kawhi Leonard leading their respective teams in a closely fought battle.
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The New York Knicks started strong against the Detroit Pistons, winning 123-112. The Knicks, favored despite losing the regular season series, look to advance to a potential second-round clash with the Boston Celtics.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves stunned the Los Angeles Lakers with a commanding 117-95 win. Luka Dončić made an explosive playoff debut with 37 points, but the Timberwolves’ collective shooting—setting a franchise playoff record with 21 made three-pointers—and balanced scoring overwhelmed the Lakers. Anthony Edwards scored 25 points before an injury, Naz Reid added 23 off the bench, and the Timberwolves shot 50% from beyond the arc. LeBron James contributed 19 points but was unable to rally the Lakers.
Upcoming Games
Sunday’s schedule includes:
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No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Miami Heat, who became the first 10-seed to reach the playoffs via the play-in tournament.
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No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Orlando Magic, with Celtics’ Jaylen Brown’s knee health a key storyline.
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No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies.
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No. 2 Houston Rockets vs. No. 7 Golden State Warriors.
The playoffs promise a mix of chalky favorites and potential upsets, with intriguing storylines such as Luka Dončić’s playoff debut for the Lakers and the Heat’s attempt to advance without Jimmy Butler III.
Playoff Bracket Overview
| Eastern Conference | Western Conference |
|---|---|
| (1) Cavaliers vs. (8) Heat | (1) Thunder vs. (8) Grizzlies |
| (2) Celtics vs. (7) Magic | (2) Rockets vs. (7) Warriors |
| (3) Knicks vs. (6) Pistons | (3) Lakers vs. (6) Timberwolves |
| (4) Pacers vs. (5) Bucks | (4) Nuggets vs. (5) Clippers |
Schedule Highlights
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Game 2 matchups begin April 21 with Knicks-Pistons and Nuggets-Clippers.
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Series extend through early May with potential Game 7s scheduled for the first week of May.
The 2025 NBA Playoffs have kicked off with high drama and exciting basketball, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason as teams vie for the championship. Fans can expect intense battles, standout performances, and storylines unfolding over the coming weeks.
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