The NBA postseason has already delivered plenty of excitement. Five of the eight initial matchups have seen the first two games result in a split. We`ve witnessed significant contributions from experienced playoff veterans, including former champions like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard, alongside impressive displays from emerging talents such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham.
This sets the stage for a fascinating second weekend of playoff basketball. Three games are scheduled for Friday, with all eight series continuing over Saturday and Sunday. There`s potential for some teams facing elimination if they fail to secure a win.
Here`s a look at the current status of each first-round series and key aspects to follow as we anticipate which eight teams will advance to the next stage.
Explore Eastern Conference Series:
Pacers vs. Bucks: Can anyone support Giannis?
Knicks vs. Pistons: Is a lengthy series expected?
Cavs, Celtics are in control: Any reasons for concern?
Examine Western Conference Matchups:
Nuggets vs. Clippers: Has peak Kawhi returned?
Rockets vs. Warriors: Is Butler`s injury the critical factor?
Lakers vs. Timberwolves: Which star will step up?
Thunder vs. Grizzlies: Could a collapse be decisive?
Pacers vs. Bucks: How Much More Can Giannis Provide?
No. 4 Indiana leads No. 5 Milwaukee, 2-0
Giannis Antetokounmpo`s performance through the first two games of this series has been exceptional, reflected in his remarkable statistics: averaging 35 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 65%. This level of production is truly extraordinary.
Despite this, the Milwaukee Bucks have been outscored by 29 points during Antetokounmpo`s 38 minutes on the court in the series so far. As the series returns to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Friday, optimism about the Bucks turning things around is low.
When questioned about Milwaukee`s prospects in the series, one NBA executive responded candidly: “I genuinely don`t think they have a chance… Giannis has played like Giannis, and yet the games haven`t even been close.”
In their Game 2 loss to the Indiana Pacers, the Bucks couldn`t capitalize on Antetokounmpo`s stellar play or Bobby Portis` efficient 28 points off the bench. Damian Lillard returned after missing the previous month due to a health issue, but his presence wasn`t enough for Milwaukee to do more than mount a late rally after trailing significantly for most of the game.
It appears challenging for the Bucks to either slow down the Pacers` offense effectively or keep pace with them offensively, making the series competitive, especially with their current roster configurations.
This situation has led to discussions about possibly benching Kyle Kuzma, who has struggled in the first two games, including a performance where he played over 20 minutes without recording a single point, rebound, assist, steal, or block. Some believe he should be replaced by a perimeter shooter like Gary Trent Jr. or AJ Green.
“Playing Kuzma off the ball isn`t effective,” a scout commented. “Either bring him off the bench to handle the ball when Giannis is resting and start someone like Green, or don`t play him at all.”
Knicks vs. Pistons: A Continuing Hard-Fought Battle
No. 3 New York leads No. 6 Detroit, 2-1
After two consecutive second-round exits, the Knicks made significant offseason moves – trading multiple first-round picks for Mikal Bridges and sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo (plus another pick) to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns. Their goal was to break through and reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000.
However, their performance in this series against the Detroit Pistons has cast doubt on whether the Knicks are guaranteed to advance beyond this round.
“I`ve been questioning all season if [the Knicks] are truly a second-round caliber team, meaning one that shouldn`t be eliminated in the first round,” shared one executive.
This sentiment was expressed when the series was tied 1-1, prior to New York`s more balanced offensive effort in their Game 3 victory. This improved approach seemed like a deliberate adjustment after the Knicks failed to get Towns a single shot attempt in the fourth quarter of their Game 2 loss, relying heavily on Jalen Brunson to shoulder almost the entire offensive load.
“Jalen`s tendency to hunt for fouls and dominate the ball has created issues for them,” a Western Conference scout noted. “There are limits to how much you can do that. It`s a strategy that wins many regular-season games, but it`s an immense burden to carry for heavy playoff minutes when defenses adapt and focus on you. KAT and [OG Anunoby] must play a larger role, and that`s challenging when [Brunson] controls the ball for such a significant portion of the time.”
The Pistons` size and length also pose difficulties for Brunson, particularly second-year forward Ausar Thompson, who has defended Brunson effectively despite fouling out in Game 2.
“I`m not even sure if Thompson fully understands what he`s doing yet,” an Eastern Conference scout remarked with a laugh, “but he`s a naturally gifted defender.”
Any Concerns for the Cavaliers or Celtics?
No. 1 Cleveland leads No. 8 Miami, 2-0
No. 2 Boston leads No. 7 Orlando, 2-0
The series involving the top two seeds in the East have unfolded as anticipated.
The only question mark for the Boston Celtics in their series against the Orlando Magic concerns Jayson Tatum`s health. He missed a playoff game for the first time due to a bone bruise in his right wrist in Game 2 and is expected to miss Game 3, listed as doubtful again.
However, the Celtics know they can rely on Jaylen Brown, who himself was dealing with a knee bone bruise late in the regular season. Brown delivered an explosive performance in Game 2 with 36 points on 12-of-19 shooting, helping Boston secure the win.
“Orlando isn`t strong enough,” a scout stated. “They simply need more offense and better shooting.”
While the Miami Heat have shown competitive spirit in Games 1 and 2, the Cleveland Cavaliers` superior overall firepower has proven too difficult for them to overcome. Miami needs all three of their main players to perform well to have a chance, but Bam Adebayo shot just 3-of-9 in Game 2, and Andrew Wiggins was absent from the court in the fourth quarter.
Despite scoring 33 points in Game 2, Tyler Herro has been consistently targeted by the Cavaliers defensively, making him a prime target for Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Ty Jerome to attack repeatedly.
“Cleveland is clearly the superior team,” a scout commented. “Their depth is impressive, [Evan] Mobley is outstanding. Their depth will eventually overwhelm Miami. Give the Heat credit, they`ve competed fiercely.
“But they lack sufficient offensive firepower. Too many players are hesitant shooters.”
Nuggets vs. Clippers: Is Peak Kawhi Back?
No. 4 LA leads No. 5 Denver, 2-1
Based on conversations over the past few days, two consistent observations have emerged regarding the Denver Nuggets-LA Clippers series:
First, it`s been an absolutely incredible series to watch, and second, Kawhi Leonard is performing at an elite level once again.
“Clippers-Nuggets has been exactly as compelling as we hoped,” an Eastern Conference executive remarked. “And it reinforces why people have strong belief in Kawhi. When he`s healthy, he is truly, truly exceptional.”
The potential “issue” is, of course, the possibility of Leonard being sidelined by injury, which has happened numerous times during his tenure with the Clippers, including during the playoffs. However, the version of Leonard seen this season is comparable to any of his previous top forms, including the one who led the Toronto Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship. This makes the Clippers an extremely dangerous team in these playoffs.
Through three games, the Clippers have appeared to be the superior team, highlighted by their impressive Game 3 victory over Denver in the inaugural playoff game held at the Intuit Dome.
“The longer that series continues, the more it benefits Denver,” a scout noted, referring to the potential for a Leonard injury. “But those games have been sensational.”
Denver, however, is also dealing with injury concerns. The Nuggets aren`t a deep roster and have faced injuries to key players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon during the season. Now, Michael Porter Jr.`s shoulder issue could affect his availability.
“Denver just looks physically worn down,” the executive observed. “They have a thin roster, and their best players have missed time.”
Insiders generally agree that this has been the best matchup in the initial weeks of the playoffs and distinctly doesn`t feel like a typical first-round series.
“Those teams are going to wear each other out just to get out of Round 1,” a Western Conference executive commented.
Rockets vs. Warriors: Will Butler`s Condition Determine the Outcome?
No. 2 Houston tied with No. 7 Golden State, 1-1
As this series shifts back to San Francisco for Game 3 on Saturday, after the Houston Rockets tied the series on Wednesday, the primary focus is on the availability of Jimmy Butler III for the Golden State Warriors. Butler suffered a pelvic contusion following a bad fall in the first half of Game 2.
Reports indicated that Butler was diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion, putting his status for Game 3 in serious doubt.
“I anticipated Houston would recover and believed they would easily defeat [the Warriors] once Jimmy left the game,” a Western Conference scout remarked. “But they simply don`t generate enough points. They won`t establish a significant lead against anyone.”
This series, as noted during the Game 2 broadcast, feels reminiscent of the 1990s era of basketball rather than today`s faster, more spread-out game. Every inch of the court is contested fiercely, characterized by physical play and verbal exchanges, including Draymond Green`s interactions with Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet at different points.
Golden State`s Game 1 win suggested that if their key players perform well, and if Butler`s absence is limited, the Warriors appear to have an offensive capability that Houston, with most of its players experiencing the playoffs for the first time, cannot match.
“They play with effort, and they defend well,” an executive stated, “but their offense isn`t yet at a playoff-ready level.”
The most significant advantage for the Warriors currently is the full three-day break between Games 2 and 3. This potentially provides Butler enough time to recover and return to the court, helping Golden State protect their home-court advantage in the series.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves: A Star-Studded Yet Unpredictable Series
No. 3 Los Angeles tied with No. 6 Minnesota, 1-1
This series has lived up to its billing as one of the most captivating matchups entering the first round. The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1, but the roles reversed in Game 2. Consequently, neither team has established a clear advantage heading into Game 3 on Friday.
The first two games particularly highlighted the various facets of the Timberwolves. In Game 1, Anthony Edwards had an off-shooting night but played a disciplined game, recording nine assists to just one turnover, avoiding forcing plays, and guiding Minnesota to a decisive victory. In Game 2, Edwards had zero assists, and the entire Timberwolves team finished with only 14 assists (significantly below their season average of 26.1), appearing sluggish for nearly the entire game.
“Minnesota might be the most complete team in the West, excluding Oklahoma City,” an NBA scout observed, “but they lack consistency.
“They are young, athletic, versatile in positions… but I struggle with their performance, and their offense is problematic, which it shouldn`t be given their talent.”
The Lakers, however, also faced their own set of issues in the initial games. Their defensive effort and intensity in Game 1 were severely lacking, although they improved in Game 2. While LeBron James contributed to that defensive improvement in Game 2, both he and Austin Reaves haven`t performed at the level they showed in the regular season. Additionally, the experiment with Jaxson Hayes starting at center has been challenging.
Nonetheless, the Lakers undeniably possess the best player in the series: Luka Doncic. Even if he became a bit too focused on trying to challenge Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert in the second half of Game 2, Doncic`s performance remains elite. As long as Doncic continues to play as he did in the first two games, averaging 34 points and making 19 out of 20 free throws, the Lakers will feel confident about their chances.
“The Lakers have the series` top player,” an NBA executive stated. “In such a closely contested series, that often becomes the decisive factor.”
Thunder vs. Grizzlies: A Collapse Likely Ends the Series
No. 1 OKC leads No. 8 Memphis, 3-0
It has been an impressive beginning for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who cruised through the first three games with relative ease. This occurred despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having a slow start to the series, shooting just 33.3% against the Memphis Grizzlies through the first two games, after finishing the regular season at nearly 52%.
“I`m feeling confident about my prediction of OKC winning the West,” a Western Conference executive commented.
Through two games, the Thunder appeared like a perfectly functioning machine. Oklahoma City came close to setting an NBA playoff record with their dominant 51-point victory over the Grizzlies in Game 1, followed by another comfortable win in Game 2.
As the series moved to Memphis for Game 3, the general expectation was that the series was effectively over.
However, Game 3 unfolded in a truly bizarre manner over 48 minutes. The first half belonged entirely to Memphis; Scotty Pippen Jr. alone made more 3-pointers (five) than the Thunder managed as a team in the entire first half (four), contributing to Memphis establishing a 26-point halftime lead.
But when Ja Morant suffered a hard fall late in the first half, Memphis` performance deteriorated dramatically. The Grizzlies scored only 31 points in the second half, while the Thunder completely reversed the game`s momentum. Oklahoma City set an NBA record with a comeback victory that was difficult to watch as the Grizzlies completely faltered, failing to score any points in the final 4:51 of the game.
“That`s a soul-crushing loss,” one executive remarked.
“I feel for the Grizzlies,” another added. “That one really hurts.”
That fourth quarter heavily showcased the impact of Alex Caruso, the defensive specialist acquired in the trade for Josh Giddey last summer – a deal where, incidentally, the Chicago Bulls did not receive a single draft pick. Caruso`s performance in that fourth quarter included three steals, a block, and five points, crucial contributions that helped swing the game in Oklahoma City`s favor.
Now, the only remaining question is whether the Grizzlies can extend the series by forcing a Game 5 back in Oklahoma City. If Memphis cannot achieve this, it would send them into an offseason facing numerous questions about the team`s future following the complete collapse late in the season, the dismissal of coach Taylor Jenkins shortly before the playoffs, and the manner in which this series concluded.