The 2025 NBA playoffs are here! After an exciting final week, the Eastern Conference bracket was finalized on Friday, and the Western Conference was decided in the last game, an overtime thriller between the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers. Now, 20 teams are officially in contention for the Larry O`Brien trophy, with five of them seeking their first championship.
Eastern Conference
In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured the top seed after a dominant 64-win season. However, the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, are close behind at No. 2, aiming for consecutive Finals victories. A repeat championship hasn`t happened since the Warriors in 2017 and 2018, marking one of the longest periods without a repeat champion in NBA history.
The Western Conference remained uncertain until the final moments of the regular season. With the Clippers defeating the Warriors to claim the No. 5 seed and a matchup against Nikola Jokic`s Denver Nuggets, the No. 6 seed and guaranteed playoff spot went to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who will face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The play-in tournament started on Tuesday, and the first round begins on Saturday. NBA analysts are now breaking down all 20 teams, examining their seasons, best-case scenarios, and key aspects for the play-in and first round.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland`s Path to the Postseason:
The Cavaliers are built on depth and strong team shooting, featuring All-Star guards and elite, defensive-minded big men. Their modern system emphasizes defensive switching and versatile players. Coach Kenny Atkinson has experimented with various lineups throughout the season to prepare for the playoffs.
However, their lack of perimeter size is a concern, especially against teams like Boston. Despite acquiring De`Andre Hunter midseason, the Cavs finished the season with an 8-8 record in their last 16 games, which isn`t ideal momentum for the playoffs. — Brian Windhorst
3-Point Shooting Consistency:
Before March 11, the Cavaliers were the top 3-point shooting team. Since then, they`ve dropped to 19th. The playoffs will reveal which version will show up. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are excellent playmakers, but their effectiveness is amplified when they are hitting their 3-pointers. Both players have seen a decrease in their 3-point percentage since the All-Star break, which impacts the team`s margin for error. — Windhorst
Best-Case Scenario:
With their regular-season performance, Cleveland is a top title contender. Increased playing time for starters in the playoffs could unlock another level for this deep, balanced, and offensively potent team. Nine years after their first championship, the Cavaliers have a real shot at another. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
The Cavaliers have been the league`s best clutch team, with Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell leading the way in offensive net points in clutch situations. — Dean Oliver
2. Boston Celtics
Boston`s Path to the Postseason:
The defending champions had a relatively smooth season, despite injuries, especially to Kristaps Porzingis. While Cleveland claimed the top seed, Boston secured a fourth consecutive 50-win season and enters the playoffs as the favorite to reach the NBA Finals for the third time in four years. — Tim Bontemps
Playoff Health:
Boston`s reliance on 3-pointers makes them a high-variance team. A healthy playoff run from their key players makes them clear title favorites. However, health is uncertain. Porzingis missed much of last year`s playoffs, and has missed more games than played this season. Jrue Holiday has also had absences, and Al Horford is 38. If healthy, the Celtics are formidable. — Bontemps
Round 1 Focus:
Against Orlando, the main concern for Boston is Jaylen Brown`s knee. He has been managing a bone bruise and receiving injections. While Boston should win this series, Brown`s condition will be closely monitored for their title defense. — Bontemps
Best-Case Scenario:
Boston could become the first repeat champion of the 2020s. Only four teams have achieved back-to-back titles in the 21st century. No Celtics team has repeated since the 1960s. Jayson Tatum and company could make history. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
Luke Kornet leads the league in net points per 100 possessions on offensive rebounds and putbacks. — Dean Oliver
3. New York Knicks
New York`s Path to the Postseason:
The Knicks are having their best season in over a decade, but face a challenge against Boston and Cleveland. They are 0-8 against these top East teams, often in decisive losses. While strong overall, they may be a step behind title contention. — Chris Herring
Postseason Level Up:
Tom Thibodeau`s teams are known for heavy minutes for starters. This Knicks team is no different. Jalen Brunson`s recent ankle injury and rest might be beneficial, saving him from further wear and tear. Brunson handles the ball more than any player in the NBA. — Herring
Round 1 Watch:
Beyond Brunson`s return, the pairing of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson is key. The Knicks` defense has struggled against top offenses with this duo, similar to the Timberwolves` use of Gobert and Towns. If they can improve their screen-and-roll defense, it would be significant. — Herring
Best-Case Scenario:
A healthy Knicks team can beat anyone in a series, with a strong starting five. Depth is limited. Defense against top offenses is a concern, and the bracket is tough. A second-round appearance is likely, but upsetting the Celtics would be a major surprise. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
Jalen Brunson leads the league in clutch possession usage and offensive net points per 100 possessions in clutch situations. — Dean Oliver
4. Indiana Pacers
Indiana`s Path to the Postseason:
On January 1st, the Pacers were 16-18. Since then, they have been one of the hottest teams, finishing 50-32, with Tyrese Haliburton playing at an All-NBA level. They have home court in the first round against the Bucks, a rematch of last season. — Jamal Collier
Haliburton`s Production:
Haliburton`s return to form has been crucial. He`s averaging impressive stats and leading Indiana to a top offense since January. — Collier
Round 1 Preview:
This is a rematch of the 2024 first round, where the Pacers upset the Bucks. Indiana is the higher seed this year, but Milwaukee has been more challenging for them this season. A key difference is a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo for Milwaukee. — Collier
Best-Case Scenario:
It depends on Cleveland`s form. If Cleveland is strong, the Pacers` ceiling is the second round. If Cleveland is vulnerable, the Pacers could upset them and reach the conference finals, potentially facing Boston again. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
T.J. McConnell leads the Pacers in net points on half-court layups, while Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith contribute in transition. — Dean Oliver
5. Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee`s Path to the Postseason:
The second year of the Antetokounmpo-Lillard era has been inconsistent. After a poor start, they won the NBA Cup, and made a trade deadline move. Injuries have affected the roster, with Lillard`s playoff status uncertain, leaving Antetokounmpo to carry the team. — Jamal Collier
Lillard`s Availability:
A healthy Lillard is essential for a deep playoff run. He was sidelined with a blood clot issue in March, but there is optimism about a return. Lillard and Antetokounmpo were a high-scoring duo, with improved chemistry in their second year. — Collier
Round 1 Preview:
Injuries have dropped Milwaukee`s seeding, leading to a first-round rematch with the Pacers, who defeated them last season. Antetokounmpo`s dominance has helped the Bucks play better recently, winning eight straight to close the season without Lillard. However, the Pacers have also been strong since January. — Jamal Collier
Best-Case Scenario:
Antetokounmpo`s talent is immense, but the Bucks` limitations and Lillard`s uncertainty make a Finals run unlikely. The best scenario might be remaining competitive enough to keep Antetokounmpo from seeking a trade in the offseason. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
Antetokounmpo leads the league in net points on half-court layups. — Dean Oliver
6. Detroit Pistons
Detroit`s Path to the Postseason:
The Pistons have had a remarkable turnaround, going from the worst record before a playoff berth to the No. 6 seed in the East. Under coach J.B. Bickerstaff, they surpassed last season`s win total by New Year`s Day. — Kevin Pelton
Young Stars in Playoffs:
Veterans added in the summer bring playoff experience, but it`s the playoff debut for Cade Cunningham and other young starters. Cunningham`s performance will influence the Pistons` offseason approach. If he maintains his All-NBA level, Detroit could emulate Indiana`s recent playoff success. — Pelton
Round 1 Watch:
Can Cunningham replicate his regular-season success against the Knicks? He has excelled against them. It will be interesting to see if the Knicks use OG Anunoby to defend Cunningham. — Chris Herring
Best-Case Scenario:
This season is already a success for the Pistons. Ending their playoff win drought since 2008 is a goal, with potential for a first-round upset and reaching the semifinals. Realistically, beating the Knicks is a challenge, but they will compete hard. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
Detroit ranks second in fast-break points, with multiple players contributing significantly in transition. — Dean Oliver
7. Orlando Magic
Orlando`s Path to the Postseason:
Injuries derailed a promising Magic season. After a strong start, injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner impacted their momentum. They secured the No. 7 seed, but the season didn`t fully recover after the injuries. — Chris Herring
Elite Defense:
Can their strong defense carry them in the first round? They have had success against the Celtics. If they advance through the play-in, a rematch with Cleveland awaits. The 2024 series against Cleveland should give Orlando confidence. — Chris Herring
Round 1 Focus:
Can Orlando exploit Jaylen Brown`s knee issue by pressuring Tatum and others, knowing Brown isn`t fully healthy? Orlando`s defense could make it a low-scoring, tough series. — Chris Herring
Best-Case Scenario:
Advancing from the play-in is likely, but a series win against the Celtics is improbable. A competitive showing against Boston, especially from Banchero and Wagner, would build momentum for the future. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
The Magic have the weakest offense among playoff teams. Wagner and Banchero carry a large offensive load but with modest net points. — Dean Oliver
8. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta`s Path to the Postseason:
This season was seen as a new era for the Hawks, with draft picks and contract extensions. Trae Young remains a star, but Jalen Johnson`s injury limited their potential. The No. 8 seed Hawks have two play-in chances. — Tim Bontemps
Young`s Magic:
Young has shown playoff magic before, leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021. With Johnson injured, Young needs to lead again if they want to make noise. — Tim Bontemps
Best-Case Scenario:
Replicating their 2022-23 playoff run, earning the No. 7 seed through the play-in and giving the Celtics a scare in the first round before losing, is their most optimistic outcome. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
Dyson Daniels` defensive impact is significantly better than Trae Young`s, highlighting the defensive gap. — Dean Oliver
9. Chicago Bulls
Chicago`s Path to the Postseason:
The Bulls retooled their roster, trading key players and matching last season`s record. It`s a younger Bulls team making a third straight play-in appearance. — Kevin Pelton
Defensive Stops:
Their defense ranks poorly among playoff teams. Lonzo Ball`s potential return could help, but rim protection and forcing turnovers remain weaknesses. — Kevin Pelton
Play-in Watch:
Miami`s defense against Josh Giddey is something to watch. Teams have dared him to shoot from deep. While Giddey has improved his shooting, Miami might test his jumper in the play-in. — Chris Herring
Best-Case Scenario:
Their up-tempo, 3-point style creates variance, potentially leading to a win against a stronger team. Winning a playoff series is unlikely. Reaching the first round after play-in success would be their ceiling. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
Despite losing games on average, the Bulls` 3-point shooting is a strength. — Dean Oliver
10. Miami Heat
Miami`s Path to the Postseason:
Miami`s season has been turbulent. After a messy situation involving Jimmy Butler and subsequent trade, the Heat struggled, especially in fourth quarters, leading them to the play-in. — Tim Bontemps
Herro and Adebayo:
Miami is transitioning to Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo as franchise pillars. Herro has improved, becoming an All-Star, but Adebayo`s performance has been less impressive. They need to perform at their best for Miami to make the playoffs. — Tim Bontemps
Play-in Focus:
Miami`s ability to close games is crucial. Fourth-quarter struggles have plagued them. Avoiding bad quarters is essential for their season to continue. — Tim Bontemps
Best-Case Scenario:
Miami has a history of playoff upsets, but this team seems less likely to continue that trend. Making it out of the play-in rounds would be fortunate, with little chance of advancing further against top East teams. — Zach Kram
Key Stat:
The Heat are the worst playoff/play-in team in the fourth quarter, with Duncan Robinson`s performance declining significantly in the fourth. — Dean Oliver
Western Conference
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City`s Path to the Postseason:
The Thunder have improved significantly since being the youngest No. 1 seed last year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP contender, leading the league in scoring and contributing across the board. Luguentz Dort leads a top defense. Veteran additions have integrated well. OKC broke the point differential record despite Chet Holmgren missing much of the season. — Tim MacMahon
Secondary Scoring:
Gilgeous-Alexander starred in the second round last year, but OKC was eliminated by Dallas. Jalen Williams struggled in that series. Williams has improved this season, becoming an All-Star. The Thunder expect him to be ready for his second playoff appearance. — MacMahon
Best-Case Scenario:
Given their near 70-win season and historical point differential, the best case is an easy championship run. Dominance similar to the 2017 Warriors or last year`s Celtics is possible, although they may face tougher competition. — Kevin Pelton
Key Stat:
Gilgeous-Alexander generates the most net points from free throws in the league. — Dean Oliver
2. Houston Rockets
Houston`s Path to the Postseason:
Coach Ime Udoka set playoffs as the goal for Houston. Reaching 50 wins, Udoka called it a minimum yearly benchmark. The Rockets finished with 52 wins, built on grit, toughness, hustle, physicality, and strong defense. Jalen Green credits Udoka for instilling toughness. After a March skid, they won 15 of 17, emphasizing their identity. Offensively, they were mid-pack, but defensively, they were consistently top five. — Michael C. Wright
Playoff Inexperience:
Only two starters have playoff experience. Their physicality could compensate. The key is consistent half-court offense in slowed-down playoff games. Leading the league in offensive rebounding helps. Green is a top scorer, but consistent contributions from VanVleet, Brooks, and Sengun are needed. — Wright
Round 1 Watch:
Can Houston generate enough half-court offense against a tested Warriors team? Udoka faced Curry`s Warriors in the 2022 Finals as Boston`s coach. Amen Thompson could be a Curry-stopper, having effectively guarded him in a recent game. Can Thompson handle this role in his first playoffs? — Wright
Best-Case Scenario:
The Rockets overcome half-court offense issues with offensive rebounding and speed. They reach the conference finals and win the lottery with the Suns` pick. — Kevin Pelton
Key Stat:
Brooks performs significantly better with rest, which playoffs provide. — Dean Oliver
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles` Path to the Postseason:
Landing Luka Doncic is a major success for the Lakers. Hiring coach JJ Redick and trading for Doncic were significant moves. Despite some drama, successes outweighed failures. Austin Reaves emerged as a near All-Star, and Dorian Finney-Smith fit in well. Both Knecht and Bronny James showed promise. LeBron and Doncic showed promising chemistry. — Dave McMenamin
Doncic, James, Reaves Trio:
The trio has played limited games together. Redick relies on them to maintain the offense in the playoffs, where opponents will target their weaknesses. Redick dismisses experience as essential for a championship, emphasizing preparation, effort, execution, and giving themselves a chance to win. — Dave McMenamin
Round 1 Preview:
The Lakers face the Timberwolves, whom they played in preseason and regular season openers. Size is a concern for L.A. Minnesota ranked higher in rebounds. The Lakers need rebounding from wings and guards, not just centers.