As the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs moves into its second week, several compelling series have unfolded. A notable outcome was the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder sweeping the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference.
In the Eastern Conference, the top four seeds appear poised to advance. The top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers had a chance to sweep the eighth-seeded Miami Heat on Monday, while the second-seeded Boston Celtics and third-seeded New York Knicks were looking to close out their series against the seventh-seeded Orlando Magic and sixth-seeded Detroit Pistons, respectively.
The fifth-seeded Milwaukee Bucks faced a difficult challenge attempting to extend their series against the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, especially following the significant news of Damian Lillard suffering a torn Achilles tendon.
The Western Conference has featured more competitive series. The fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets and fifth-seeded LA Clippers engaged in close games, including an overtime contest and a late game-winner. The seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors face uncertainty regarding Jimmy Butler III`s pelvis injury. Meanwhile, the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in a tough spot, down 3-1 against the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves after a disappointing loss on Sunday.
The initial week showcased standout performances from stars and tightly contested finishes. Our NBA experts analyze the key observations from the first week and look ahead to what`s next.
The Path Forward for the Bucks Following Damian Lillard`s Injury
Milwaukee is not only trailing the series 3-1, potentially playing two of the final three games in Indianapolis, but they also learned that Lillard will be sidelined for the rest of these playoffs and likely beyond due to a torn Achilles.
For Bucks coach Doc Rivers, the immediate focus for Game 5 must be identifying a lineup capable of improving their defense, as the Pacers achieved an offensive rating of at least 120 in each of their three victories. One potential adjustment could be starting Ryan Rollins, who filled in for Lillard during a significant portion of the Bucks` late-season winning streak, alongside Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. in the backcourt, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez upfront.
Kevin Porter Jr. is crucial for compensating for Lillard`s absence offensively. In the final 12 regular-season games he played, Porter Jr. averaged 15.3 points, shooting efficiently from two-point range (57%) and three-point range (38%), while also contributing 5.0 assists as a secondary ball-handler. Lillard`s injury significantly impacts Milwaukee`s offseason strategy. The team has limited financial flexibility and is expected to face the luxury tax, especially if Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis opt into their contracts and they retain unrestricted free agent Brook Lopez. Porter Jr. holds a player option at the veteran minimum ($2.5 million) which he is expected to decline.
Since the Bucks only possess non-Bird rights for Porter Jr., they likely face a decision: use their midlevel exception to re-sign him or allocate it to acquire a point guard to fill Lillard`s role. A major factor is Giannis Antetokounmpo`s confidence in the team`s ability to compete for a championship. Should the Bucks suffer a third straight first-round exit and enter the 2025-26 season unsure of Lillard`s return timetable, their status as title contenders becomes questionable.
— Kevin Pelton
Are the Cavaliers and Celtics Headed for the Eastern Conference Finals?
It`s important not to overlook the Indiana Pacers, who also hold a 3-1 lead over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks. Indiana concluded the regular season strong with a 14-4 record, and Tyrese Haliburton appears fully healthy, a trend continuing into the playoffs. The Pacers possess the versatility to match up physically with the Cavaliers while also utilizing their perimeter shooting. While the Celtics would be favored against the Knicks, having swept them 4-0 in the regular season, the Cavaliers, despite playing well against Miami, should be wary of a potential series against Indiana. Their own team will certainly be respecting that possibility.
— Brian Windhorst
Which Eastern Conference Team Requires the Most Significant Mid-Series Adjustment?
The Detroit Pistons have shown flashes against the Knicks that could have potentially put them in a 3-1 lead scenario. However, their young roster`s lack of experience and poor choices have consistently undermined them, resulting in their 3-1 deficit. A key issue in the close Game 4 was 19 turnovers by Detroit, mirroring their performance in the Game 1 loss. These lost possessions are critical, especially considering the Pistons lack a strong offensive rebounder like Isaiah Stewart and have inconsistent three-point shooting (35.2%). They haven`t managed to take more shots than New York in any game, which is detrimental. A possible adjustment for Detroit to reduce turnovers could involve giving Dennis Schroder more playing time, perhaps earlier in games, alongside Cade Cunningham.
— Chris Herring
How Can the Warriors Win Game 4 and Take Control of the Series?
The return of Jimmy Butler III would significantly benefit Golden State. Although his status is questionable, he would have had five days to recover since sustaining a deep gluteal contusion early in Game 2.
Should the Warriors need to play another game without Butler III, their 104-93 Game 3 win provides a winning strategy. Stephen Curry must deliver a performance similar to his 36-point, 9-assist, 7-rebound effort in Game 3 (including 25 points in the middle quarters). However, contributions from players like Buddy Hield, who hit five three-pointers en route to 17 points, and Gary Payton II, who scored 16 points while attention was on Curry, are also necessary.
On defense, Golden State must limit Jalen Green`s impact. In the Rockets` two losses, Green scored only seven and nine points respectively, and the team struggled to find alternative scoring sources.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
What`s Next for the Grizzlies Following Their First-Round Sweep and Coaching Change?
The Grizzlies` initial offseason priority should be securing their core by signing Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama to contract extensions. Subsequently, they must establish a clear strategic direction, particularly offensively, and remain committed to it. Recent seasons have seen the team experiment with various offensive philosophies under three different coaches (Patrick St. Andrews, Noah LaRoche, and Tuomas Iisalo), leading to inconsistency. To compete effectively in the challenging Western Conference, establishing a defined team identity is crucial.
— Ramona Shelburne
The Deciding Factor in the Lakers-Timberwolves Series: _____?
The series hinges on bench depth. Minnesota`s reserves significantly outperformed Los Angeles`, outscoring them 25-6 in Game 4 and holding a cumulative plus-42 advantage over the first three games. Lakers coach JJ Redick notably relied solely on his starting five for the entire second half on Sunday, excluding players like Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jordan Goodwin who were previously part of the second unit rotation. Team construction also plays a role; Redick appears hesitant to use Alex Len or Jaxson Hayes as backup centers given the series dynamics. Conversely, Minnesota has benefited from strong contributions off the bench from Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, complementing the efforts of stars like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
— Dave McMenamin
The Most Significant Surprise in the West`s First Round So Far?
A major surprise is the extent to which both Lakers coach JJ Redick and Nuggets coach David Adelman shortened their rotations, almost exclusively using their starting lineups, especially while their teams were trailing 2-1 on the road. Although Adelman`s decision was partly influenced by Russell Westbrook`s foot injury in Game 4, Denver`s bench minutes on Saturday (25.6) were among the lowest for any team in the last twenty years. Redick`s approach on Sunday was even more extreme: according to the Elias Sports Bureau, he was the first coach in the play-by-play era to use only five players for an entire second half without substitutions.
— Kevin Pelton
Which Western Team Poses the Greatest Threat to the Thunder?
The LA Clippers, currently competing against the Nuggets for the opportunity to play the top-seeded Thunder, appear well-equipped to challenge Oklahoma City. Having won 20 of their last 25 games, the Clippers boast an elite defense and a superstar in Kawhi Leonard who can arguably be the best player on the court in any series, even when facing probable MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Recent additions like Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. could lead the defensive assignment against Gilgeous-Alexander, acknowledging that he cannot be entirely neutralized. However, his former team could potentially force him into difficult scoring situations.
— Tim MacMahon