The 2025 NBA Playoffs: Second Round Heats Up
The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is currently underway, with several compelling series taking center stage. Here’s a look at how the matchups are shaping up in both the Eastern and Western Conferences as of Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Eastern Conference: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers: The Pacers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in this series. After splitting the first two close games in Cleveland, Indiana returned home and secured two decisive victories, including a 129-109 win in Game 4. The Cavaliers now face the chance of being eliminated as the series returns to Cleveland for Game 5 tonight at 7:00 PM ET.
Boston Celtics vs The New York Knicks: This highly anticipated East Coast battle sees the Knicks holding a 3-1 advantage. After two tight wins in New York, the Celtics responded with a dominant Game 3 victory at home. However, the Knicks bounced back, securing a 121-113 win in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. The Celtics are now in a must-win situation as the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5 on Wednesday at 7:00 PM ET.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets. This series is proving to be a hard-fought contest, currently tied at 2-2. The Nuggets took the first game in a close encounter, but the Thunder responded with a dominant Game 2 Victory. The Nuggets then regained the lead with an overtime win in Game 3, but the Thunder evened the series with a 92-87 victory in Game 4 on Sunday. Game 5 is scheduled for tonight in Oklahoma City at 9:30 PM ET.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors: The Timberwolves have surprised many, taking a 3-1 lead over the defending Western Conference champions. After winning the first two games, including one on the road, the Timberwolves responded to a Warriors Game 3 victory with a 117-110 win in Game 4 on Monday night in San Francisco. The Warriors are now on the brink of elimination as the series heads back to Minnesota for Game 5 on Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET.
The Higher seeds in both conferences face stiff competition, with the Pacers and Timberwolves on the verge of upsetting the Cavaliers and Warriors, respectively, in close contests. Many games have been tightly contested, highlighting the parity among the remaining playoff teams. Star Performances’ key players are stepping up for their teams, delivering crucial performances in high-pressure situations. Basketball fans can expect more thrilling action as the second round progresses, with the quest for the NBA Finals championship intensifying.