Following an exciting initial round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, featuring intense Game 7s and decisive sweeps, the conference semifinals are set to begin.
The top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals after sweeping the Orlando Magic. They will now face Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, who eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks for the second consecutive season.
Defending champions, the Boston Celtics, continue their quest for a repeat title. They will meet a determined New York Knicks team, who endured a challenging first-round series.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets advanced after a grueling seven-game series victory over the LA Clippers. They now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in a highly anticipated second-round matchup, featuring an MVP duel between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
Before the second round tips off, our NBA experts break down the biggest questions for each series, including which underdog is most likely to advance and the most anticipated player matchups.
Eastern Conference
Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs. 
Indiana Pacers (4)
Clash of Elite Offenses: Which Team Will Dominate?
The statistical gap between these teams has narrowed since January 1st, with similar records (Cavs 35-14, Pacers 34-14). Cleveland finished the regular season with an elite offense, leading the NBA in scoring. Both teams prioritize a fast pace. This series could hinge on which high-powered offense asserts dominance.
Path to the Eastern Conference Finals: What the Pacers Need
The Pacers` success hinges on Tyrese Haliburton`s ability to control the game`s tempo against Cleveland`s All-Star guards. Indiana holds a slight edge in recent playoff experience compared to most of the Cavaliers` core. Haliburton has proven he can deliver in crucial moments. Cleveland`s guard Darius Garland`s status is uncertain due to a toe injury, which could impact their defense. If Haliburton finds his rhythm, spreads the floor, and draws Cleveland`s big men away from the basket, the Pacers could put the Cavaliers in difficult defensive situations.
Expert Pick: Cavaliers -1.5 games (-180)
While the Pacers won the regular-season series, this is somewhat misleading as two wins occurred when Cleveland rested starters after clinching the top seed, and another before a key trade. A fully healthy Cavaliers team is significantly superior and capable of competing with Indiana`s fast-paced style. The prediction is the Cavaliers winning the series by more than 1.5 games, likely in five or six games.
Boston Celtics (2) vs. 
New York Knicks (3)
Knicks` Challenge: Overcoming Regular Season Struggles Against Boston
Having lost all four regular-season games to Boston, New York must significantly improve its defense against the Celtics` shooters. The Knicks frequently used a pick-and-roll drop coverage, which Boston exploited effectively, making a high volume and percentage of three-pointers. Utilizing Mitchell Robinson`s agility higher on screens and implementing different defensive schemes will be crucial adjustments.
Celtics` Key Concern Entering the Series
Jrue Holiday`s health is a major worry for Boston. He missed the final three games of the first round due to a hamstring injury. Holiday was highly effective against New York in the regular season, contributing significantly offensively and serving as one of Boston`s primary defenders against Jalen Brunson, limiting his efficiency in their matchups.
Expert Pick: Exact series total games — six (+295)
The Knicks have had difficulty against the Celtics recently, losing eight of their last nine encounters, and are coming off a demanding first-round series. Boston, with its powerful offense led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, excellent depth including Sixth Man Payton Pritchard, and strong defense, presents a formidable challenge. While New York will offer tougher competition than Orlando did, the Celtics are expected to close out the series with relative ease, with a six-game series being a plausible outcome.
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs. 
Denver Nuggets (4)
Denver`s Offensive Challenge: Breaking Down OKC`s Top Defense
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic can look to their March 10th victory in Oklahoma City as a blueprint. In that game, Denver won 140-127, with Jokic delivering an efficient 35 points and 8 assists, and Murray adding 34 points. Murray will particularly need help navigating Lu Dort`s tough defense, as Dort excels at fighting through screens.
MVP Impact: Who Will Make the Difference?
For the Nuggets to pull off an upset, Nikola Jokic needs to be the dominant force. Oklahoma City is generally considered the more talented and deeper team, evidenced by their league-leading 68 wins and record point differential. However, OKC is relatively well-equipped to defend Jokic with their 7-footers like Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, plus agile guards disrupting passing lanes. Conversely, Denver lacks an All-Defensive caliber player to primarily guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Expert Pick: Exact series total games — five (+175)
Having previously predicted the Thunder to win the championship, this series is particularly interesting. While any team featuring `Playoff Jamal Murray` and Nikola Jokic is a formidable threat, the Thunder appear superior overall. Although the teams split the regular-season series 2-2, it`s unlikely Denver will secure that many wins in the playoffs. Predicting the series to end in five games (OKC winning 4-1) seems like a reasonable bet, offering decent value.