Here’s an early look at the predicted quarterfinal matchups.
The 2025 NBA season has reached its midpoint, with teams having played close to 40 games each. As the season unfolds, an early picture of the playoff race is beginning to take shape. Teams, like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, have emerged as top contenders for the playoff spots, while teams like the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, have been inconsistent. With plenty of games still left to play, the standings could shift, but the current matchups give us a glimpse of what the playoffs might look like.
Based on current record, remaining strength of schedule, offensive, defensive metrics and other factors, here’s an early look at the predicted quarterfinal matchups:
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Current Record/Seed: 33-5, 1st in East
Remaining SOS Rank: 13th overall
The Cavaliers are the clear frontrunners in the East. They boast the best record in the league and dominate both offensively (121.9 offensive rating, 59.6% shooting efficiency) and defensively (110.6 defensive rating, 70.6% defensive rebounding). Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland have been the key ingredients to their success.
Detroit Pistons
Current Record/Seed: 20-19, 8th in East
Remaining SOS Rank: 15th overall
The Pistons have been a surprise success, hanging onto a playoff spot despite a middling offense (112.4 offensive rating) and defense (113.0 defensive rating). They were 3-36 last season but are thriving this season at 20-19. Cade Cunningham’s resurgence has been vital, but they still lack the firepower to match Cleveland.
Prediction: Cavaliers win 4-0.
Boston Celtics
Current Record/Seed: 28-11, 2nd in East
Remaining SOS Rank: 22nd overall
The defending champions are going strong this season. Their efficient offense (120.1 offensive rating) led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown make them favourites to defend their championship.
Miami Heat
Current Record/Seed: 20-17, 7th in East
Remaining SOS Rank: 12th overall
Despite the off-court chaos revolving around Jimmy Butler, the Heat have managed to put on impressive performances, courtesy of Tyler Herro who has been leading their offense. However, their attacking production (113.1 offensive rating) is still a concern.
Prediction: Celtics win 4-1.
New York Knicks
Current Record/Seed: 26-14, 3rd in East
Remaining SOS Rank: 5th overall
Led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks are thriving with a well-rounded offense (120.5 offensive rating) and solid defense (112.4 defensive rating).
Milwaukee Bucks
Current Record/Seed: 20-17, 6th in East
Remaining SOS Rank: 7th overall
The Bucks’ season has been marred by inconsistency, though Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard remain formidable. Their defense (111.3 defensive rating) has been reason behind recent wins but they have struggled against the top 3 teams of Eastern Conference this season, remaining winless in any of those matchups so far this season.
Prediction: Knicks win 4-3.
Orlando Magic
Current Record/Seed: 23-18, 4th in East
Remaining SOS Rank: 30th overall
The Magic have played the most games so far in Eastern Conference and are at 23-18 record. They have emerged as a surprise contender with an elite defense (106.7 defensive rating) and disciplined play. Paolo Banchero’s return has given a big boost to the Magic and once Franz Wagner is back from injury, the Magic will be a formidable contender in the East.
Indiana Pacers
Current Record/Seed: 22-18, 5th in East
Remaining SOS Rank: 17th overall
Indiana Pacers have been on the rise and is just behind Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference standings. They have thrived on its fast-paced, high-scoring offense (115.3 offensive rating), however, their offense will be surely tested against Magic, who has been one of best defensive sides in East so far.
Prediction: Magic win 4-2.
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Oklahoma City Thunder
Current Record/Seed: 32-6, 1st in West
Remaining SOS Rank: 18th overall
Led by MVP-candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC is thriving with a balanced attack (115.6 offensive rating) and elite defense (102.9 defensive rating). However, their inexperience in the big games will be a big concern which was visible in their loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup final.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Current Record/Seed: 20-18, 8th in West
Remaining SOS Rank: 10th overall
Anthony Edwards could lead the scrappy Minnesota team to the playoffs but lack of support on the offensive end could put an abrupt end to their championship hopes once again. They will need to find a way to improve their offensive intensity to have a chance to pull of a series upset against a red-hot Thunder.
Prediction: Thunder win 4-1.
Houston Rockets
Current Record/Seed: 25-12, 2nd in West
Remaining SOS Rank: 3rd overall
The Rockets have been a joy to watch this season so far. Their young core, led by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, has been one of te key reasons for their surge. While they still have room to grow defensively, their offensive firepower will be major threat.
Los Angeles Lakers
Current Record/Seed: 20-16, 7th in West
Remaining SOS Rank: 8th overall
The Los Angeles Lakers have shown flashes of brilliance this season. LeBron James and Anthony Davis continue to be the key contributors this season. However, their defense is a big concern. While their defense has stepped up occasionally, they have looked non-existent in many games.
Prediction: Rockets win 4-2.
Memphis Grizzlies
Current Record/Seed: 25-14, 3rd in West
Remaining SOS Rank: 2nd overall
Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant, have been the second best team in offense after Boston Celtics. The young core has stepped up many times in the absence of Morant this season proving to be a major source of strength for the team.
Los Angeles Clippers
Current Record/Seed: 20-17, 6th in West
Remaining SOS Rank: 9th overall
Kawhi Leonard’s return to the court has provided a big boost to Clippers but the big question remains whether he can maintain his fitness through the rest of the season and into the playoffs. While their defense (108.9 defensive rating) has been solid, it will face a tough test against a young Grizzlies offense.
Prediction: Grizzlies win 4-2.
Denver Nuggets
Current Record/Seed: 23-15, 4th in West
Remaining SOS Rank: 14th overall
Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets with another MVP-caliber season. Their offense (118.0 offensive rating) is dynamic, and Russell Westbrook has also found his stride at the perfect moment. However, their defensive inconsistencies (113.1 defensive rating) remain a concern.
Dallas Mavericks
Current Record/Seed: 22-17, 5th in West
Remaining SOS Rank: 11th overall
The Mavericks form have been marred with injuries. Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic have been in and out of the games due to frequent injuries. However, their eventual return could be a game-changer, transforming the playoff race from a potentially one-sided affair to a tightly contested battle.
Prediction: Nuggets win 4-3.
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