2025 NBA Playoffs Set to Begin Amid High Tension

NEW YORK, April 13, 2025 — The first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is set to begin Saturday following a gripping finish to the regular season. Teams across the league are bracing for an action-packed postseason after a memorable year marked by dramatic trades and coaching changes.

The Milwaukee Bucks secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, with the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, closely behind in the No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged as the top seed, followed by the Houston Rockets in the No. 2 position. The playoffs will kick off with an exciting series of matchups featuring eight teams from each conference.

The completion of the regular season revealed the final seedings, particularly following a chaotic last day of competition. The Minnesota Timberwolves clinched the No. 6 seed after a key victory against the Utah Jazz. “We didn’t want to compete in the play-in tournament. This win was crucial for our confidence,” said Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, who previously struggled against their impending playoff opponent.

This year, the playoffs will employ a best-of-seven series format for all four rounds, a practice established since the 2003-04 season. Each series maintains a 2-2-1-1-1 schedule, giving home-court advantage to the team with the better regular-season record. The playoffs ensure that all matchups bring not just excitement, but also a chance for unexpected outcomes, as every team aims for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Before the playoff action begins, however, the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will determine the final two seeds in each conference. The tournament starts Tuesday, featuring teams seeded seventh through tenth vying for postseason berths. Notably, the Golden State Warriors are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies after finishing at No. 7 in the Western Conference.

The first games in the playoffs will commence beginning April 15, with the opening matchups reflecting fierce rivalries and exciting storylines. The Timberwolves will face the Lakers, while the Bucks meet the Pacers. Anticipation is high for these games, with fans eagerly awaiting their favorite players to lead their teams into the fight for the championship.

As the playoffs approach, analysts are noting the impact of on-site factors such as player conditions and historical performance against specific opponents, which can affect the outcome of critical matchups. “Our preparation this week will be thorough,” said Lakers forward LeBron James. “We know every game counts, and we need to put our best foot forward.”

With the completion of the regular season, all eyes now turn to the hardwood as teams vie for basketball’s greatest prize. The 2025 NBA Finals are scheduled to tip-off on June 5, broadcasted live on ABC and the ESPN app.