Who will be the defining players in the upcoming NBA playoffs? ESPN experts have ranked the 50 players expected to have the biggest impact during the postseason.
Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP favorite, lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first championship? Can Nikola Jokic secure another title to his impressive career? How far can Luka Doncic and LeBron James take the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs?
While star players are crucial, playoff series are often decided by role players who elevate their performance. This list includes veterans, young talents making their playoff debuts, and players ready to seize the spotlight.
Here is the countdown, starting with No. 50 and leading to the top player for the 2025 playoffs.
50. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Playoff career: 18.9 PTS | 6.9 REB | 4.4 AST (7 games)
Before injury, Wagner was on track for an All-Star appearance and All-NBA consideration. He consistently scored and contributed in multiple areas. While his perimeter shooting can be inconsistent, Orlando relies on his overall game.
49. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Playoff career: 13.8 PTS | 6.7 REB | 1.9 BLK (43 games)
Turner anchors Indiana`s improved defense. His rim protection is comparable to top defensive players, making him a key defensive asset for the Pacers in the playoffs.
48. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 5.7 PTS | 5.9 REB | 57.4 FG% (26 games)
Hartenstein has been a valuable addition to the Thunder, contributing significantly to their top-ranked defense with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.
47. Norman Powell, LA Clippers
Playoff career: 9.2 PTS | 39.2 3P% | 2.1 REB (84 games)
Powell is a dynamic scorer for the Clippers, capable of getting hot quickly and leading the team in scoring when needed. His offensive firepower is crucial for their playoff aspirations.
46. Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets
Playoff career: 16.0 PTS | 0.9 STL | 3.1 REB (22 games)
Brooks` defensive intensity and history with Golden State will be a factor as he guards key players like Stephen Curry, aiming to help the Rockets advance in the playoffs.
45. Al Horford, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 12.2 PTS | 8 REB | 39.1 3P%
Despite his age, Horford remains a vital player for the Celtics. His experience, shooting, and defense are essential for Boston`s deep playoff run.
44. Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 11.4 PTS | 4.3 REB | 0.9 STL (16 games)
Dort is known for his exceptional defense, often guarding the opponent`s best perimeter player. His improved 3-point shooting adds another dimension to his game.
43. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Playoff career: 14.3 PTS | 4.3 REB | 3.4 AST (46 games)
Herro had a breakout season, becoming an All-Star and leading Miami through the play-in. His continued offensive production is crucial for the Heat`s playoff success.
42. Josh Hart, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 12.6 PTS | 9.6 REB | 3.5 AST (24 games)
Hart is a versatile and energetic player for the Knicks. His rebounding, hustle, and playmaking are vital, though his 3-point shooting needs to be more consistent.
41. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Playoff career: 24.2 PTS | 6.2 AST | 38.9 3P% (65 games)
Murray`s health is key for the Nuggets. When he plays at his best alongside Jokic, they form a formidable duo. His scoring and playmaking are essential for Denver`s championship hopes.
40. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Playoff career: 15.7 PTS | 2.1 BLK | 6.8 REB (23 games)
Jackson`s offensive improvements and 3-point shooting have been significant. His matchup against Chet Holmgren will be a key battle in the playoffs.
39. Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 13.1 PTS | 37.9 3P% | 4.5 REB (39 games)
Bridges is a solid contributor for the Knicks, especially defensively. His midrange game and consistency against top opponents will be tested in the playoffs.
38. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
Playoff career: 17.1 PTS | 9.4 REB | 3.7 AST (15 games)
Randle needs to improve his playoff performances. On a stronger Minnesota team, he can focus on shooting and playmaking to contribute to their postseason run.
37. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
Playoff career: 13.2 PTS | 1.6 BLK | 11.0 REB (69 games)
Gobert`s playoff impact is often debated, but he plays more minutes in the postseason. His rim protection and offensive contributions will be important for the Timberwolves.
36. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Playoff career: 27.3 PTS | 8.6 AST | 6.8 REB (19 games)
Morant`s paint dominance will be tested against Oklahoma City`s defense. His ability to attack the basket is crucial for the Grizzlies` playoff hopes.
35. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
Playoff career: 17.3 PTS | 6.6 REB | 3.1 AST (70 games)
Siakam`s playoff experience and two-way play are valuable for the Pacers. His offense and defense are key to Indiana`s potential Eastern Conference run.
34. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Playoff career: 16.3 PTS | 9.1 RPG | 52.3 FG% (74 games)
Adebayo`s defensive versatility is crucial for Miami, especially against Cleveland. His overall performance will impact the Heat`s playoff chances.
33. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Playoff career: 27.0 PTS | 8.6 REB | 40.0 3P% (7 games)
Banchero`s scoring and rebounding are vital for the Magic. His 3-point shooting consistency will be a key factor in their playoff performance.
32. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Playoff career: None
Thompson`s defense, particularly against Stephen Curry, will be important for the Rockets. Improving his shooting will further enhance his offensive game.
31. Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 16.6 PTS | 6.3 AST | 1.4 STL (89 games)
Holiday`s defensive prowess and ability to make winning plays remain crucial for the Celtics, even in a reduced offensive role.
30. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers
Playoff career: 8.6 PTS | 7.1 REB | 57.7 FG% (45 games)
Zubac has had a career season for the Clippers, becoming a consistent force on both ends. His matchup against Jokic could be pivotal in the playoffs.
29. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Playoff career: 11.6 PTS | 8.9 REB | 1.5 STL (157 games)
Green`s defensive intelligence and playmaking are vital for the Warriors. His control and defensive presence in the paint are crucial for their playoff success.
28. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Playoff career: 14.3 PTS | 6.4 REB | 3.0 AST (52 games)
Gordon`s playmaking and versatility alongside Jokic and Murray are essential for the Nuggets` offense and overall team success.
27. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff career: 17.1 PTS | 5.5 AST | 1.2 STL (17 games)
Garland`s explosive offense and partnership with Mitchell are key for the Cavaliers. His 3-point shooting consistency will be monitored in the playoffs.
26. Derrick White, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 12.4 PTS | 39.4 3P% | 3.2 REB (72 games)
White`s improved 3-point shooting and excellent defense make him a critical player for Boston, arguably their second most important player.
25. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 12.1 PTS | 40.0 3P% | 4.9 REB (36 games)
Anunoby`s 3-and-D skills and improved scoring make him a vital two-way player for the Knicks, especially defensively against top opponents.
24. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
Playoff career: None
Sengun`s offensive production and rebounding, particularly in Houston`s big lineups, will be important in the playoffs against teams like Golden State.
23. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff career: 11.7 PTS | 10.3 REB | 62.0 FG% (18 games)
Allen`s consistent play and rebounding are essential for the Cavaliers. His toughness and role adjustment have been key to their season`s success.
22. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Playoff career: 16.9 PTS | 40.4 3P% | 4.3 AST (21 games)
Reaves had a career year and is now a known offensive threat. Teams will focus on defending him, but his scoring and playmaking are vital for the Lakers.
21. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 15.6 PTS | 7.2 REB | 2.5 BLK (10 games)
Holmgren`s rim protection and versatile offensive game are significant for the Thunder. His 3-point shooting in the playoffs will be a key factor.
20. James Harden, LA Clippers
Playoff career: 22.7 PTS | 6.4 AST | 1.6 STL (166 games)
Harden`s leadership and playmaking have been crucial for the Clippers. His scoring and facilitating, especially alongside Leonard and Zubac, are vital for a deep run.
19. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Playoff career: 18.7 PTS | 8.2 AST | 4.8 REB (15 games)
Haliburton drives the Pacers` fast-paced offense. His playmaking and scoring are essential, though his defense can be a target in crucial moments.
18. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 14.6 PTS | 5.6 REB | 37.0 3P% (17 games)
Porzingis`s health and offensive versatility bring a new dimension to Boston`s playoff offense. His floor spacing and scoring are crucial for their title aspirations.
17. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff career: 14.2 PTS | 9.5 REB | 1.9 BLK (17 games)
Mobley`s breakout season and improved offense are significant for Cleveland. His defense and increased aggression are vital for their playoff success.
16. Jimmy Butler III, Golden State Warriors
Playoff career: 21.3 PTS | 6.2 REB | 1.7 STL (119 games)
Butler`s arrival transformed the Warriors. His scoring, leadership, and defensive partnership with Green are crucial for Golden State`s playoff run.
15. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Playoff career: None
Cunningham`s all-around game and leadership are key for Detroit`s resurgence. His scoring and playmaking will be tested in his first playoff experience.
14. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
Playoff career: 21.3 PTS | 7.8 REB | 39.9 3P% (139 games)
Leonard`s health and elite two-way play are crucial for the Clippers. His scoring and playoff experience are vital for their championship aspirations.
13. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 18.7 PTS | 6.8 REB | 5.4 AST (10 games)
Williams`s two-way wing play and scoring are essential for the Thunder. His ability to be a strong second option will be tested in the playoffs.
12. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 18.8 PTS | 10.2 REB | 35.0 3P% (32 games)
Towns`s floor spacing and offensive abilities are vital for the Knicks. His rebounding and rim protection will be key factors in their playoff run.
11. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 19.1 PTS | 5.6 REB | 2.4 AST (124 games)
Brown`s health is critical for Boston. His performance as a top player is necessary for the Celtics to repeat as champions.
10. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 23.9 PTS | 4.8 AST | 4.0 REB (49 games)
Brunson`s ball control and clutch performances are essential for the Knicks. His ability to perform under pressure is crucial in the playoffs.
9. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Playoff career: 28.4 PTS | 9.0 REB | 7.2 AST (287 games)
James`s extensive playoff experience and all-around game are invaluable for the Lakers. His performance at 40 years old in pursuit of another ring is a key storyline.
8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Playoff career: 27.8 PTS | 6.0 REB | 5.5 AST (27 games)
Edwards`s scoring and improved 3-point shooting make him a top offensive threat for the Timberwolves. His continued rise is crucial for their playoff hopes.
7. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Playoff career: 27.0 PTS | 6.2 AST | 39.7 3P% (147 games)
Curry`s goal is to win a fifth ring. His rejuvenated play and superstar level performance are vital for the Warriors` playoff aspirations.
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Playoff career: 26.6 PTS | 12.0 REB | 5.2 AST (79 games)
Antetokounmpo`s dominant scoring and rebounding are even more crucial with Middleton`s absence. His leadership and performance are key for the Bucks` playoff success.
5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff career: 28.1 PTS | 5.0 AST | 5.0 REB (54 games)
Mitchell`s leadership and scoring are vital for the Cavaliers. His performance and shooting consistency will be key in their playoff run.
4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Playoff career: 30.9 PTS | 9.4 REB | 8.0 AST (50 games)
Dončić seeks playoff redemption. His scoring, rebounding, and playmaking are crucial for the Lakers` success and proving his former team wrong.
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Playoff career: 27.7 PTS | 12.3 REB | 7.5 AST (80 games)
Jokic, a triple-double threat, is arguably the best player in the playoffs. His all-around game is essential for the Nuggets` championship aspirations.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 24.0 PTS | 7.9 REB | 4.9 AST (113 games)
Tatum remains a consistent star and two-way threat. His performance is crucial for the Celtics to achieve back-to-back championships.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 21.7 PTS | 4.9 AST | 43.3 3P% (23 games)
Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP front-runner and a top scorer. His playmaking and defense make him the most impactful player for the 2025 playoffs.