NBA Playoffs: Read For Analysis on the Latest (4/28)

The NBA playoffs’ first round shapes up with tons of thrilling games and questionable calls. Who will win it all? Credit: ESPN

The NBA playoffs is here!! Here’s what we know about the matchups so far. Last updated 4/28/25.

EAST: The Eastern conference has all the top seeds winning their matchups pretty handily. Expect all of these teams to send the low seeds into Cancun and into the next round. The Cavaliers and Celtics are doing so well that I think that’s going to be the Eastern Conference Finals matchup.

Cavaliers v. Heat: (4-0) An overall boring series for NBA fans. The Cavaliers haven’t looked so good since Lebron James was in Cleveland. Their elite starting lineup of Donavan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarett Allen, Evan Mobley and company had too much firepower for the underwhelming Heat. Tyler Herro was basically the only man for Miami and they could’ve really used Jimmy Butler here. Easy sweep.

Celtics v. Magic: (3-1) The series hasn’t been intense either, which is indicative of the less competitive Eastern conference. The defending champs simply have too much star power and depth than the Orlando Magic, who rely on Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero to carry the load. The Magic have strong defense but their lack of offense means they can only stay side by side, never ahead. Jrue Holiday is due back in Game 5 and I’m excited to see his elite defensive skills on the Magic. Celtics in 5 with a gentleman’s sweep.

Knicks v. Pistons: (3-1) I’m not sure if the refs have been paid or are extremely blind because some of these calls are atrocious. In Game 4, there was a clear foul on Hardaway but was missed and only AFTER the game was the foul called. Thanks a lot, NBA. But the series matchup has been suprising because nobody expected the Pistons to fight such gritty games: this young team has a lot of potential for a team that finished in the bottom quadrant of the East last year. If the Pistons can keep playing like this and have some calls go their way then it’s hard to not see them winning another game. But if Karl Anthony-Towns keeps playing like this and we get solid Knicks play, then it’s an easy gentleman’s sweep. I think Knicks in 6.

Pacers v. Bucks: (3-1) Man, this series has been disappointing. The NBA should rename this series to Pacers v. Giannis because Giannis is the only man on the Bucks who can actually do something. Kyle Kuzma, the guy they sacrificed Khris Middleton for? 0 points in 2 games. Damian Lillard just reinjured himself and the Bucks have nobody. The Pacers have been playing good, but I simply can’t see them making it past the Eastern Conference Semifinals. But, I think the Pacers can finish it off at home. Pacers in 5.

WEST: The Western conference is absoutely the epitomy of the NBA playoffs. Superstar talent and legacies all clashing with greats like Lebron and Steph making the final push for another ring. Kawhi making a comeback with Harden facing off against the unflappable Jokic. Anthony Edwards is making a name for himself and the Thunder are playing like the 2016 Warriors.

Thunder v. Grizzlies: (4-0) Boring games. Without Ja, the Grizzlies didn’t look like themself. I mean, it was doomed from the start, with Memphis getting their back blown out by 50 in Game 1 and then dropping a 29-point lead against the Thunder. Generational choke and they couldn’t lock in in Game 4. Credit to the Thunder for playing some solid, complete basketball.

Rockets v. Warriors: (1-3) Warriors have Steph and that’s all they needed in Game 3 before the return of Jimmy. These games have been nailbiters for Warriors fans and Rockets fans with the series turning extremely physical. Multiple technicals have been given out and multiple fights have been broken out. The Rockets’ size and defense have proved stifling for the Warriors because they play small-ball. However, Steph is going to Steph and he showed that in Game 3. Jalen Green either plays like prime Lebron or like a G-Leaguer. Alperen Sengun is absoutely flooring the Warriors because they have no answer to him whatsoever. However, after this Game 4, I’m convinced that Playoff Jimmy exists because he locked down the rebound and put the game pretty much out of reach. Houston now has to try make the 3-1 comeback against the Warriors and that starts at home. If the Warriors play good basketball and Jimmy and Curry lock in, Warriors can win at home in 6.

Lakers v. Timberwolves: (1-3) Nico Harrison must be laughing right now. Luka and Lebron, two of the top generational talents of the 21st century have been cooked by Anthony Edwards and company. In Game 4, JJ Reddick decided to play his 40 year old player for the entire second half and wondered why Lebron didn’t play as well in the 4th quarter. Looking at the stats, the Lakers really need a big man and the answer isn’t Jaxton Hayes in the paint. I bet the Lakers front office is regretting vetoing the Mark Williams trade right now. The Wolves have just been playing really good basketball and the Lakers have to turn it around at home. If they get some good calls (unlike other games), then the Lakers can take Game 5. Maybe Lebron runs it back to 2016. I think maybe not. Wolves in 6.

Nuggets v. Clippers (2-2): Easily the best series to watch in the NBA. The only series that’s 2-2 and isn’t lopsided because both of these teams are playing like it’s the Western Conference Finals. Kawhi Leonard is finally back in his prime and cooking the Nuggets. We’ve gotten nailbiters like Game 4, which was won at 0.1 left in the buzzer because of Aaron Gordon. James Harden has played really good basketball, and Westbrook has left his prime. Westbrook is so inconsistent just like the Nuggets bench. I mean, the Nuggets literally just have Jokic and Murray carrying their whole team and they are still holding up their own. (Besides Aaron Gordon) Another player that has played really well is Ivica Zubac who is the best rebounder in the league right now. The new Big 3 on the Clippers is scary and the next team that faces against them should be scared. I think the Clippers barely edge it out in 7 games. Clippers in 7.