The 2025 NBA Playoffs have officially begun, and this postseason, in our opinion, has been extremely competitive and very fun to watch. Some teams were an obvious pick to make the playoffs and make a deep run, before the NBA season even began. Whereas, there are other teams in the 2025 playoffs that are new, but definitely a threat to knockoff any of the favorites for the title. The 2025 NBA Playoffs also pulled in the most-watched opening weekend of the playoffs in the last 25 years, and is up by 17% compared to the 2023-2024 season. When we say, the playoffs have been extremely thrilling and fun to watch, that is by no means a hyperbole.
The first round of the 2025 playoffs already has some teams that have won the round and advanced to the 2nd round. The obvious favorites and the No.1 seeds have not disappointed so far, and even some of the lower seeds are on the verge to pull off an upset and move to the 2nd round. So today, we’ll take a look at all the teams that have or could advance, to the next round. Let’s dive into it.
The Cleveland Cavaliers played dominant brand of basketball, and if you watched the first round series between them and the Miami Heat, you’ll know exactly what we are talking about. The Cavaliers swept the Heat going 4-0 against them, and in the closeout game of the series, the Cavs showed that they were the far superior team. The final score of the game in game 4 of the first round was 138-83, and Tyler Herro, who was an All-Star this season, was shutout since the opening minute, as he finished with just 4 points.
The Indiana Pacers eliminated the 5th seeded Milwaukee Bucks from the playoffs, going 4-1, and even though Giannis Antetokounmpo was spectacular in the series, the Pacers were just the better team overall. Bucks also lost their star, Damian Lillard, to an Achilles tear, which was heartbreaking for the Bucks, as they have had championship aspirations ever since he arrived at Milwaukee. Nevertheless, Tyrese Haliburton put the nail in the coffin as made he a game winning layup in game 5 of the Bucks vs Pacers matchup, and they will move on to face the No.1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.
The Boston Celtics were shorthanded for the majority of the first round series between them and the Orlando Magic. However, the Celtics have a very talented roster, all the way from the top to the bottom, and that is how they won the series 4-1. The Celtics have such a well constructed roster that even if they are missing a couple of pieces, they can still go out and dominate. And that is something, most teams do not have the luxury to do so.
The Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons in Game 6 of the first round. While the Knicks were able to advance, it was not easy by any means. The Pistons rallied back in Game 5 of the 1st round, and they also were extremely close in getting a victory in Game 6. However, they gave away a 11-1 run in the second half of Game 6, and the Knicks used that to their advantage to come back into the game. Jalen Brunson won the Clutch Player of the Year award, and rightfully so, as he knocked down a game winning shot at the end of the 4th quarter to win the series and sent the Pistons packing away. Now they are set to take on the Celtics, who they were 0-4 against in the 2024-2025 regular season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder were dominant in the first round, as the swept the 8th seeded Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder willed their way against the Grizzlies, and they actually looked like the best team in the NBA, keeping their regular season record in mind. There were lingering questions about if Shai Gilgeous Alexander was to have a bad game, who else could step up? Well OKC clearly sent a message after their statement sweep (4-0) against the Grizzlies that the entire team can score.
The Denver Nuggets have now advanced past the first round, and will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, after beating the L.A Clippers in 7 games. The first round series was extremely close, however, the Clippers did not have what it took, as they were blown out in Denver and they ended losing the game. James Harden, as history repeats itself, had yet another off night and at this point we wonder if a team can win with Harden as the 2nd or 3rd option, in the playoffs. Kawhi Leonard was the only player for the Clippers who scored above 20 points, and it was a very disappointing run for the Clippers.
The Golden State Warriors are on the verge of winning the series against the 2nd seeded Houston Rockets, and the experience factor, is really starting to show as we progress through the playoffs. Jalen Green, apart from one game, has arguably had the worst scoring stretch of the season, and that hasn’t helped the Rockets by no means. On the other hand, the trio of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler (despite his injury), is looking more and more lethal, and they will most likely advance to the Conference Semifinals.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, despite being the underdogs, won the series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite being the underdogs in the series, the Timberwolves showed that they were a far superior team, and there was nothing that the Lakers could do to slow them down. The Wolves used the Lakers’ weakness against them, as they lacked size and length at the 4 and the 5 spots. The Timberwolves finished the Lakers off in 5 games, and are trying to get to the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons, with Anthony Edwards leading this team.
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