This article is the second part of an NBA Playoff Prediction, to check out the first part click here
This analysis will provide round-by-round predictions for each playoff series based on the current NBA standings and my Play-In picks from part one. Additionally, I will predict how long each series will last. Each prediction is based on how each team matches up, recent contests, and the teams’ playoff histories. The NBA Playoffs are going to be an electrifying time, and all NBA fans are excited to see basketball superstars playing at an elite level, all in pursuit of the same goal: the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The first matchup is the first seed Cleveland Cavaliers versus the eighth seed Atlanta Hawks. Cleveland has been extremely dominant this year, thanks to the combination of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Teams find it extremely difficult to compete with their size and rim presence. The Hawks will struggle when Mobley and Allen switch onto them, Cavaliers win in four games.
In the second matchup, the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers face off against the fifth-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. This is a rematch from the 2024 NBA Playoffs, where the Pacers pulled off an impressive upset in a hard-fought six-game series. Taking into account the Bucks’ prior success against Indiana, this series is expected to be competitive once again. However, with the playoff experience of Giannis and Damian Lillard, the Bucks are poised to come out on top this time, winning the series in seven games.
In the third matchup, the third-seeded New York Knicks are set to go up against the sixth-seeded Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are on track to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019. While Cade Cunningham and his teammates may not match up perfectly against New York, they have found success in both of their victories over the Knicks. That is largely thanks to Cunningham’s outstanding performances. He will be the key factor in this series, but Jalen Brunson will outweigh his performance, Knicks win in seven games.
In the final matchup of the Eastern Conference first round, the second-seeded Boston Celtics face off against the seventh-seeded Orlando Magic. The Magic have consistently performed well against Boston, winning two of the three regular season meetings, which suggests they have a good chance to challenge the Celtics. Orlando’s strong defense is likely to make this series more competitive than expected, but look for Jayson Tatum to step up. After a slow start in the playoffs last year, he’s poised for a breakout performance. Ultimately, the Celtics will win this series in six games.
The first round features a matchup between the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and the eighth-seeded Golden State Warriors. It’s a clash of eras, as Curry goes head-to-head with SGA. The Thunder, though young, bring a mix of playoff and play-in experience that should help them handle the pressure of facing the greatest three-point shooter of all time. In the end, the Thunder take the series in five games.
The Western Conference matchup between the fourth-seeded Houston Rockets and the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers is set to be an intriguing one. However, the addition of Luka Doncic, who was traded to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, shifts the dynamics significantly. Doncic has proven himself as a game-changer during his time in Dallas. Despite this, the Lakers’ experience and talent should be too much for the young Rockets to handle. Lakers win in five games.
layoff basketball is set to take place at the impressive new Intuit Dome. The sixth-seeded Clippers will face off against the third-seeded Nuggets. It’s hard to feel confident in the Clippers, given their ongoing injury struggles, especially when they’re up against Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP. The Nuggets will take the series in five games.
The last Western first-round series takes place in Memphis, featuring the second-seeded Grizzlies against the seventh-seeded Timberwolves. The matchup between Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards promises to be iconic. Minnesota seeks to return to the Western Conference Finals, a challenging task ahead. The Grizzlies look strong on paper, having enjoyed a successful season with numerous victories. However, Memphis lacks considerable playoff experience compared to the experienced squad that advanced last year. The seventh-seeded Wolves pulled off an upset against the second-seeded Grizzlies in seven games.
Cleveland had an easy time in the first round, sweeping the Atlanta Hawks, but facing Milwaukee is a different challenge altogether. The Bucks boast a formidable duo in Lillard and Antetokounmpo. The Cavaliers have had an outstanding season, and with their size in the paint, they should be able to contain Giannis effectively. It will be a closely contested series, with the Cavaliers coming out on top in seven games.
The defending champions, the Boston Celtics, face off against the dynamic New York Knicks in a fierce contest for Eastern Conference Supremacy. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are expected to play crucial roles in this series, especially when playing in the harsh environment in New York. Experience will be the key factor of this series, as the Celtics have a significant advantage in that department. While the Knicks will play tough and keep this series slightly competitive, Boston will win this series in six games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his team are on a quest to carve their names into basketball history, as they take on the legendary Lebron and the Los Angeles Lakers. This matchup brings back memories of last year when Luka Doncic squared off against Shai.
Expect to see these global superstars clash throughout the series once more, but this time around, Shai and Chet Holmgren will emerge victorious over Luka and his squad. The Thunder will secure the win in a thrilling seven-game series.
A rematch of last year’s most entertaining series should be filled with more amusing post-game interviews. Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves will face off against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. This time, the T-Wolves will be without center Karl Anthony-Towns, but expect strong performances from the Minnesota bench once again. However it is tough to predict that the Joker will fall to the same team in consecutive playoffs. The Nuggets get revenge and take the series in seven games.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics make their fourth consecutive appearance. They face a familiar rival in the Cleveland Cavaliers, setting the stage for an exciting showdown between Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell has had a standout season, leading the Cavaliers to a promising opportunity to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2018.
Although Cleveland will face challenges, particularly in the hostile environment in TD Garden, their size will play a significant role in this series and give them a big advantage. The Celtics’ grit and resilience will ultimately end Cleveland’s great season, securing Boston their spot in the Finals for the third time in four years. The Celtics win the series in six games.
In the Western Conference Finals, a thrilling matchup unfolds as the Oklahoma City Thunder face off against the Denver Nuggets, featuring star performances from a Canadian and a Serbian superstar. Nikola Jokic aims to make a triumphant return to the NBA Finals after missing out last year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the young Thunder are determined to make franchise history by securing the championship.
Although the Nuggets hold a significant edge in experience, Jamal Murray’s defense may be a focal point for exploitation throughout the series. Expect Shai to further bolster his MVP campaign by dominating his matchup against Murray. Ultimately, the Thunder triumph over the Nuggets in six games, making their first Finals appearance since 2012.
The Finals matchup is set. Out of the West is the Oklahoma City Thunder, and in the East is the defending champions the Boston Celtics. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylen Williams, and Chet Holmgren match up decently with the likes of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics are in search of their 19th championship banner, but they have a much more difficult opponent than they did last year.
Game One @ Oklahoma City: Thunder win
Game Two @ Oklahoma City: Celtics win
Game Three @ Boston: Thunder win
Game Four @ Boston: Celtics win
Game Five @ Oklahoma City: Thunder win
Game Six @ Boston: Boston win
Game Seven @ Oklahoma City: Thunder win
The Thunder clinch the Larry O’Brien Trophy, solidifying their status as the 2025 NBA Champions. The Oklahoma City big three deliver impressive performances, but SGA stands out as the star of the series. The MVP candidate puts together a historic performance on the way to securing both the championship and Finals MVP honors.
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