The NBA Playoffs 2025 – Drama In Store

Image Credit: Bleacher Report

The NBA Playoffs have finally begun. Storylines have never been so prevalent in the NBA. Well then, the bracket is set after a dramatic end to the season and some tight finishes in the play-in.

Western Conference:

Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs Memphis Grizzlies (8)

What proves to be a high-octane matchup may end up being a one-sided encounter. The championship favorites, OKC, are -4000* to win the series against the vulnerable, yet energetic Grizzlies. The Grizzlies would need to pull off an upset of the ages to see the light of the second round.

Houston Rockets (2) vs Golden State Warriors (7)

In what is to be a matchup of fight and ruggedness, the Warriors are favored slightly to upset the second seed, with the late-season resurgence propelling them to the 7th seed. It remains to see the matchups employed against the stars of both teams, as well as the stubborn defenses of both teams, both of which have shown time and time again grit in this new-age rivalry.

Los Angeles Lakers (3) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (6)

The Timberwolves, surprisingly, or not so much, are slightly favored to win the matchup as per betting odds, though this is another high-octane matchup with some top-quality superstars to expect big numbers from. Whether it will be Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle or LeBron James and Luka Doncic, this series is bound to be energetic.

Denver Nuggets (4) vs Los Angeles Clippers (5)

Perhaps the most even matchup is between two teams with volatile seasons, but heavyweights nonetheless. The Clippers, on the back of Kawhi’s return, have climbed steadily to winning ways, facing the battle-hardened Nuggets, which may have an overreliance on their premier superstar.

Eastern Conference:

Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs Miami Heat (8):

An uneven matchup in the full sense of the word, the Cavaliers are all but projected to win their first round against the Heat. However, till one time reaches the four-win threshold, nothing is determined, and one cannot count out the fiery Heat.

Boston Celtics (2) vs Orlando Magic (7)

After an above-par season, the Magic face the reigning champions in the first round–a lopsided contest in the full sense of the word. The Magic’s young resources must come to the fore to have any chance against the championship caliber of the Celtics.

New York Knicks (3) vs Detroit Pistons (6)

In one of the greatest turnarounds in recent NBA history, the Pistons find themselves in the playoffs after the worst record in the NBA last season. This matchup of gritty young players will be one to watch in the early stages of the tournament.

Indiana Pacers (4) vs Milwaukee Bucks (5)

In another disappointing season after the acquisition of Damian Lillard and following his untimely injury, the Bucks stare down the barrel for any surge of energy to compete. The inconsistent Pacers must still herald a top-quality effort to knock out the Bucks before moving on, though the Bucks’ superstars may play spoilsport.

The NBA is in full flow now, all 16 teams looking to create history. Who will raise their banner this year?

*All odds from ESPN BET