NBA Conference Semi-Finals: Sneak Peek
by Sam Cox | by Tyler Doty
Familiar Foes
The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs brings four enthralling series. Out west, the two and three seeds were eliminated, while the Eastern Conference has the expected final four teams with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks remaining.
A pair of Game 7s saw the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets face win-or-go-home deciders, while the Oklahoma City Thunder made light work of the Memphis Grizzlies, earning themselves plenty of rest before taking on the Nuggets.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers
Darius Garland’s toe injury kept him out of the last two games of the first round. He also missed the opener against the Pacers, which Indiana won in Cleveland. There is ‘significant concern’ about Garland’s availability going forward, as he’s still not practicing with the team.
Indiana was sixth in net rating (top 10 at both ends of the floor) from the turn of the year to the end of the regular season. Their defense, unlike last year, is good enough for them to stifle Cleveland’s offense, particularly when Donovan Mitchell is the only shot creator on the court.
Rebounding could prove decisive in this series. Since Jan. 1, the Pacers are in the bottom five in rebounding rate. The Cavs are one of the best teams on the glass and could earn extra possessions with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley’s size.
Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks
Perhaps the most lop-sided of the four second-round series, the majority of NBA picks are expecting the Celtics to cruise past the Knicks. New York was pushed all the way by the Detroit Pistons in the first round, only narrowly getting the better of Cade Cunningham and co.
Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum missed first-round games. Despite his ailment, Tatum still averaged over 30 points and over 11 rebounds. Holiday is expected to return for Game 1 at TD Garden, giving the Celtics another elite option when it comes to guarding Jalen Brunson.
The Knicks only outscored the Pistons by eight points across the six-game series. Much of that can be attributed to Detroit’s excellent play after a subpar Game 1 performance, but it also backs up the pre-playoff opinion that the Knicks are a long way shy of the Boston and Cleveland.
New York has the talent to snatch a win or two, but Boston should get this wrapped up without facing the perils of a Game 7.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets
A miraculous Aaron Gordon buzzer-beater, followed by a spectacular team performance in Game 7, earned the Nuggets a spot in the second round after a gruelling series with the Clippers.
Denver looked overmatched early in the series. Jamal Murray stepped up in a big way, though, while Gordon relished the defensive assignments. Beating LA was one thing, but the Nuggets need to play almost perfect basketball if they are to beat the Thunder in this showdown of the two leading contenders for MVP.
Oklahoma City has been able to rest for a week after dismantling the Grizzlies. Boasting immense depth at every position, the Thunder’s defense maintained its elite regular-season standards. The half-court offense was clunky at times, however, and that’s the weakness the Nuggets will need to exploit if they are to make this a long series.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors
Fatigue is going to be a massive factor in this series. The Warriors played seven bruising games against the Rockets. Their veteran core now has a quick turnaround before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, and the first five games of the series are played every other day.
Minnesota is led by a young star in Anthony Edwards. Their older players have also had more time to recuperate after beating the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Julius Randle has looked comfortable in the postseason for the first time in his career.
Golden State has the superior top-end talent, but the Timberwolves have a clear edge ahead of Game 1. Their extra energy could make all the difference, plus their size may trouble the undersized Warriors.
