The road to the 2025 NBA Championship intensifies as the postseason enters the conference semifinals. The first round brought excitement: dominant sweeps, surprise upsets, and jaw-dropping performances. Now, the remaining eight teams are locked in a fierce battle to reach the NBA Finals.
From the powerhouse Cleveland Cavaliers in the East to the rising Oklahoma City Thunder in the West, the second round promises even more fireworks. Let’s break down the complete playoff bracket, analyse each series, provide the official schedule, and offer expert predictions for who might hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy this June.
2025 NBA Playoffs Bracket: Second Round Matchups
Eastern Conference Semifinals
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs Indiana Pacers (4)
Game 1 Result: Pacers win, lead series 1-0
The Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat 4-0 in Round 1, showcasing why they were the top seed. However, the Pacers, who stunned the Bucks 4-1, continued their hot streak by stealing Game 1 in Cleveland.
Key Players: Donovan Mitchell (CLE), Tyrese Haliburton (IND), Evan Mobley (CLE), Bennedict Mathurin (IND)
X-Factor: The Cavaliers’ frontcourt defence against the Pacers’ fast-paced offence.
2. Boston Celtics (2) vs New York Knicks (3)
Game 1 Scheduled: May 6, 2025
After dispatching Orlando in five games, Boston now faces a resilient Knicks squad that handled Detroit 4-2. This classic rivalry sets up an Eastern showdown that could go the distance.
Key Players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown (BOS), Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle (NYK)
X-Factor: Guard play under pressure Boston’s perimeter shooting vs. New York’s gritty defence.
Western Conference Semifinals
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs Denver Nuggets (4)
Game 1 Scheduled: May 6, 2025
The Thunder looked unstoppable in a first-round sweep of Memphis, but now they face the defending champion Nuggets, who survived a 7-game slugfest with the Clippers.
Key Players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren (OKC), Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray (DEN)
X-Factor: Can OKC’s youth match Denver’s championship-calibre composure?
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (6) vs Golden State Warriors (7)
Game 1 Scheduled: May 5, 2025
Minnesota shocked the Lakers with a 4-1 upset, while the Warriors battled past Houston in a Game 7 thriller. This matchup of experience vs. youth promises high drama.
Key Players: Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN), Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson (GSW)
X-Factor: Interior defence. Can Minnesota protect the paint and limit Golden State’s second-chance points?
NBA Playoffs 2025: Full Second Round Schedule
| Date | Matchup | Time | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 | Warriors @ Timberwolves, Game 1 | 9:00 PM | TNT |
| May 6 | Knicks @ Celtics, Game 1 | 7:30 PM | ESPN |
| May 6 | Nuggets @ Thunder, Game 1 | 10:00 PM | NBA TV |
| May 7 | Pacers @ Cavaliers, Game 2 | 8:00 PM | TNT |
| May 8 | Timberwolves @ Warriors, Game 2 | 9:00 PM | TNT |
| May 9 | Celtics @ Knicks, Game 2 | 8:30 PM | ESPN |
| May 10 | Thunder @ Nuggets, Game 2 | 10:00 PM | NBA TV |
| Remaining games TBD based on results and seeding | |||
Predictions for the 2025 NBA Playoffs Second Round
Cavaliers vs Pacers
Despite the Game 1 stumble, Cleveland’s size and defensive depth should wear down Indiana over a seven-game stretch. The Cavs will rely on Mitchell's late-game scoring and Mobley's rim protection to flip the series.
Prediction: Cavaliers in 7
Celtics vs Knicks
Boston’s bench is deeper and more versatile, and they’ve thrived in clutch playoff moments. New York will keep it close, but Tatum’s ability to take over games will be the difference.
Prediction: Celtics in 6
Thunder vs Nuggets
This is OKC’s biggest challenge yet. Denver has the edge in playoff experience and a generational player in Jokić. The Thunder will push hard, but Denver should prevail in a close series.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6
Warriors vs Timberwolves
Minnesota is faster, younger, and more balanced on both ends of the court. The Warriors' experience will keep them competitive, but the Timberwolves are peaking at the right time.
Prediction: Timberwolves in 6
Predicted NBA Conference Finals 2025
Based on the predictions above, here are the expected Conference Finals matchups:
- Eastern Conference Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics
- Western Conference Finals: Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves
When Do the 2025 NBA Finals Start?
The NBA Finals 2025 are expected to begin in early June, following the conclusion of the Conference Finals. The league will announce official dates once the semifinal series is settled.
- The second round began on May 4, 2025
- Indiana Pacers lead the Cavaliers 1-0 in the East
- Celtics vs Knicks and Warriors vs Timberwolves headline second-round action
- Thunder and Nuggets are set for a heavyweight Western showdown
- NBA Finals 2025 expected to start in early June
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About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
