2025 NBA Playoffs: Conference Semifinal Preview Highlights Top Players

Oklahoma City, OK — The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue as the Conference Semifinals began on Sunday night. With the first round completed, former Kentucky players are making their mark in the postseason, with twelve initially on active rosters, yet only six remain heading into round two.

Among the six Wildcats, four are expected to play significant roles for their teams. The Indiana Pacers have only one former Kentucky player, Jackson, still active, although he is sidelined with a torn right Achilles. The Pacers won their first game against the Cleveland Cavaliers 19-36 shooting from beyond the arc, while Cleveland’s Darius Garland is battling a toe injury, complicating their playoff aspirations.

The Boston Celtics, favored to win against the Cavaliers, have their own momentum. Towns is pivotal for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as he aims to showcase his skills after an inconsistent first round against the Detroit Pistons. Although he averaged 19.7 points and 10 rebounds, he needs to improve against the Celtics, a team likely to target him defensively.

The matchup that excites fans the most features the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, with two MVP candidates, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, leading their teams. Gilgeous-Alexander helped the Thunder sweep the Memphis Grizzlies, while Jokic averaged a triple-double in a hard-fought seven-game series victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jamal Murray, who has shown his playoff capabilities, also needs to elevate his performance amidst high expectations. The Nuggets will rely on him for consistent scoring, especially as the Thunder’s deep roster presents a major challenge.

As the series heats up, the Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up to face off against the Golden State Warriors. Randle is in peak form after a successful series against the Lakers, suggesting a promising round two performance.

With each team boasting standout players and tactical challenges, the 2025 NBA Playoffs promise thrilling matchups as the quest for the championship intensifies.