2025 NBA Playoff Bracket: Key Matchups and Game Schedule as Celtics and Rockets Secure Game 2 Victories
The 2025 NBA playoffs commenced Saturday, showcasing intense first-round matchups, including the Celtics and Rockets achieving crucial victories in Game 2.
The 2025 NBA playoffs have officially begun. The Western Conference features thrilling first-round matchups, with three out of four series currently tied at 1-1: the Nuggets vs. Clippers, Lakers vs. Timberwolves, and Rockets vs. Warriors. The top seed, the Thunder, boasts a commanding 2-0 lead over the Grizzlies.
In the East, experts anticipated a smooth progression, and that seems to be the case as the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Pacers own 2-0 advantages over the Heat, Magic, and Bucks, respectively. The only tied series remains between the Knicks and Pistons, with each team recording one win.
As always, the postseason brings surprises.
2025 NBA Playoff Bracket
East First-Round Matchups
- No. 1 Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Heat
- No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 Magic
- No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Pistons
- No. 4 Pacers vs. No. 5 Bucks
West First-Round Matchups
- No. 1 Thunder vs. No. 8 Grizzlies
- No. 2 Rockets vs. No. 7 Warriors
- No. 3 Lakers vs. No. 6 Timberwolves
- No. 4 Nuggets vs. No. 5 Clippers
2025 NBA Playoffs: Key Dates
- April 13: Final day of regular season
- April 15-18: Play-In Tournament
- April 19: Playoffs commence
- May 12: NBA Draft Lottery
- June 5: NBA Finals begin
