The 2025 NBA Playoff brackets are heating up, and fast. We’re down to eleven teams, and if this first round has taught us anything, it’s that no lead is safe, and no name is too big to fall. Just ask LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Their superteam Lakers squad has been ousted by a fiery Minnesota Timberwolves side, led by none other than Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves wrapped up the series 4-1, making a statement and punching their ticket to the second round while forcing the Lakers into a long offseason of questions.
Who’s Already Through?
So far, five teams have sealed their place in Round 2:
- Minnesota Timberwolves (defeated Lakers 4-1)
- Indiana Pacers (over the Bucks, 4-1)
- Boston Celtics (handled the Magic, 4-1)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (swept the Heat, 4-0)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (swept the Grizzlies, 4-0)
The second-round matchups are starting to lock in. One series already set: Cavaliers vs. Pacers. The rest hinges on three active first-round battles that are all on the verge of exploding.
Still Hanging: Game 6 and 7 Showdowns
Three first-round matchups are heading into potentially decisive Game 6s:
- Knicks vs. Pistons: New York leads 3-2, but Detroit’s not done. Game 6 tips off Thursday, May 1.
- Nuggets vs. Clippers: Denver is up 3-2. Game 6 is also Thursday night.
- Warriors vs. Rockets: Golden State leads 3-2. Game 6 lands Friday, May 2.
Should any of these underdogs push a Game 7, Saturday and Sunday are booked for high-drama elimination games. With the second round scheduled to begin no later than Monday, May 5, there’s no room for rest.
Let’s Talk About the Timberwolves
You want playoff momentum? The Timberwolves just sent LeBron packing. Anthony Edwards has been electric, Rudy Gobert saved them from disaster in Game 5, and the supporting cast looks locked in. Don’t forget, they’ve already faced one of the most experienced teams in the bracket. Now, with that weight off their shoulders, they’re eyeing the Western throne.
LeBron’s postgame response? Cryptic. He’s noncommittal about his future with the Lakers, and that uncertainty will likely dominate offseason headlines. Meanwhile, rookie head coach JJ Redick stormed out of a press conference following the loss. The Lakers are in meltdown mode, and it’s not even the conference semifinals yet.
Conference Giants Show Up
In the East, the Celtics are rolling, dispatching the Magic with clinical efficiency. Jayson Tatum is doing exactly what he needs to, and their defense looks postseason-ready. Cleveland, meanwhile, is blowing out everyone, just ask the Heat, who lost Game 4 by 55 points. That 138-83 win might be the most brutal playoff beatdown in recent memory.
Indiana’s rise is equally worth watching. They outpaced the Bucks in a 4-1 series win that raised eyebrows. With Giannis still battling post-injury form, the Pacers took full advantage and now head into a second-round showdown with Cleveland.
Full 2025 NBA Playoff Bracket Snapshot
Here’s where we stand:
Round 1 Results So Far:
- Thunder vs. Grizzlies: Thunder sweep 4-0
- Cavaliers vs. Heat: Cavaliers sweep 4-0
- Celtics vs. Magic: Celtics win 4-1
- Pacers vs. Bucks: Pacers win 4-1
- Timberwolves vs. Lakers: Timberwolves win 4-1
Ongoing Series:
- Knicks 3 – 2 Pistons (Game 6: May 1)
- Nuggets 3 – 2 Clippers (Game 6: May 1)
- Warriors 3 – 2 Rockets (Game 6: May 2)
What’s Next?
By the end of this weekend, only eight teams will remain. And if the Warriors, Nuggets, or Knicks slip up, we’re heading for Game 7 thrillers. That also means second-round action is going to overlap with first-round drama, great news for fans, a scheduling crunch for teams.
The second round officially starts no later than Monday, May 5, with Cavaliers vs. Pacers already locked. The Celtics and Thunder are waiting for their opponents, but both look like serious title threats.
Key Dates Ahead
- May 3-4: Potential Game 7s
- May 5-6: Second round begins
- May 12: NBA Draft Lottery
- May 18-21: Conference Finals begin
- June 5: NBA Finals tip-off
Bottom Line
This year’s NBA playoffs are chaos, and we love it. The LeBron-Luka Lakers experiment is over (for now), young guns like Anthony Edwards are making their mark, and the usual suspects, Celtics, Cavs, Warriors, are finding ways to survive. But don’t sleep on Indiana or OKC. The bracket is open, the games are tight, and by next week, the true contenders will stand tall.
Stay tuned. The drama is far from over.
