2025 NBA Playoffs: Action Begins as Teams Battle for Championship Glory

AKRON, Ohio – The 2025 NBA Playoffs are set to tip off, as 16 teams aim for championship glory following a competitive regular season. The postseason officially begins with the NBA Play-In Tournament on April 15, where teams fight for the final two playoff spots in each conference.

Starting April 19, the playoffs will showcase best-of-seven series in the first round, with matchups determined by regular season standings. The conference semifinals are expected to kick off between May 5 and 6, and the Finals are scheduled to start on June 5, all broadcasted live on ESPN, TNT, and ABC.

The Play-In Tournament will feature teams ranked seventh through tenth in each conference, battling it out from April 15 to 18 to claim the seventh and eighth seeds. The Eastern Conference and Western Conference playoff brackets are finalized, with high expectations brewing among fans and teams alike.

The Eastern Conference matchups include the Cleveland Cavaliers as the top seed taking on the winner of the Play-In Tournament, while the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers round off the strong competitors. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets also aim to advance.

“The playoffs are always a different battle. This year, we just want to go out there and prove ourselves,” said Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers, who enter the postseason with high potential.

As the regular season concluded, the Cavaliers held a solid 64-18 record, backed by players like rookie Jaylon Tyson and veteran center Tristan Thompson. Tyson scored a notable 31 points in a recent game against the Indiana Pacers, who are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.

“We’ve built a strong identity this season, and we’re looking to carry that momentum into the playoffs,” said Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson.

In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics are also favored to make a deep playoff run, bolstered by the high-scoring duo of Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porziņģis. Their first matchup will be against the Orlando Magic, who bring a young and energetic team onto the court.

Meanwhile, the Knicks will face the Detroit Pistons, and the Pacers seek redemption against the Bucks, whom they eliminated in last year’s postseason.

Turning to the Western Conference, the Thunder, who finished with a 68-14 record, look to build upon their regular-season success. Led by a dynamic roster, they have high aspirations to secure their first championship since 1979.

“We understand the importance of every game in the playoffs, and we’re ready to give it our all,” expressed Thunder forward Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Lakers, facing the Timberwolves in their first-round series, have showcased a blend of experience and youth this season. With James and Dončić leading the charge, expectations are high.

On the other side of the bracket, the Houston Rockets, having evolved into a competitive force this season, will duel with the Golden State Warriors in an anticipated first-round matchup.

As teams gear up for what promises to be an electrifying playoff season, fans worldwide are eager to witness which team will ultimately hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy. Tune in April 15 for the start of the action in the NBA Play-In Tournament, setting the stage for an unforgettable postseason.