With the play-in rounds ending tonight, the 2025 NBA Playoffs First Round tips off tomorrow—and let me tell you, there are some interesting matchups coming. These are my 2025 NBA Playoffs First Round Predictions—let’s get into it.
East matchups
Cavs vs. Heat/Hawks: The Cavs are coming off a 64 win season, the best since Lebron was at the helm. With their high-powered offense I don’t see them having a struggle with either team that tries to slow the pace of the game. Barring major injuries to the Cavaliers team, I think they take the series in 4 games.
Celtics vs. Magic: This game is a no-brainer for me, as the defending champs take on an injury-riddled Magic squad. Orlando simply doesn’t have the firepower on offense to compete with the Celtics in a seven-game series. I can see the Celtics having a poor shooting night and the Magic stealing a game, but that’s it. I think the Celtics win in five.
Knicks vs. Pistons: This is an interesting series due to the story that is the Pistons incredible season. Coming off the most consecutive losses in a season last year, they have been proving everyone wrong this year with Cade Cunningham at the helm. I love a good cinderella but with a young, inexperienced team I don’t see them beating a talented team of vets that is the Knicks, give me the Knicks in 6.
Bucks vs. Pacers: This series will be a good one as star point gaurd Damien Lillard for the Bucks is sidelined for game 1 due to injury. Bucks will heavily rely on their star Giannis to compete with the Pacers who have one of the best offenses in the NBA as of late. If Giannis can have a crazy series and Lillard comes back I see them winning in 7 games.
West Matchups
Thunder vs. Mavs/Grizzlies: With the best team in the NBA and the MVP favorite, this Thunder team has one goal in mind, an NBA championship. Consistent on both sides of the ball I don’t think either team has a chance. Give me the Thunder in 4.
Warriors vs. Rockets: This will be a great matchup because of both teams’ physicality and defense. I believe this series will be a dogfight but I am trusting Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler to make plays where they matter most and the Warriors win in 7.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves: I am hoping that this series is over quick since I am a Lebron James fan. The Lakers since landing Luka Doncic have been upgraded to contenders but there is worries about their height, specifically the center position. If the Lakers are able to gameplan well, Luka and Lebron play to their limits, and are able to shut down Anthony Edwards I see them winning in 6.
Nuggets vs. Clippers: This will be the best first-round series in the West. The Clippers are finally healthy and have the roster to shut down MVP canidate Nikola Jokic who averaged a triple-double this season. With the Nuggets firing their coach recently it will be interesting to see how that will affect them. If Jamal Murray can recreate past playoff performances I think the Nuggets will scrape by in 7 games.
Those are my first round predictions for the 2025 NBA Playoffs—let’s see how it plays out https://www.nba.com/playoffs/2025
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