2025 NBA Playoffs: Second Round Overview
The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is currently in full swing, featuring an exciting array of matchups as teams vie for a position in the conference finals. This year’s playoffs have already seen dramatic twists, marked by both sweeping victories and nail-biting Game 7 finishes in the first round.
Eastern Conference Matchups
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, holding the No. 1 seed, will face off against the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers. The Cavaliers advanced effortlessly, having swept the Miami Heat in their previous series. Expert predictions heavily favor the Cavaliers, with a consensus leaning towards a six-game victory.
Expert Predictions:
– Tim MacMahon: Cavaliers in 6
– Kevin Pelton: Cavaliers in 6
– Ramona Shelburne: Cavaliers in 6
– Andre Snellings: Cavaliers in 6
– Jorge Sedano: Cavaliers in 7
– Jerry Bembry: Cavaliers in 6
– Dave McMenamin: Cavaliers in 6
– Jamal Collier: Cavaliers in 6
– Chris Herring: Cavaliers in 6
– Marc Spears: Cavaliers in 6
– Jeremy Woo: Cavaliers in 6
– Tim Bontemps: Cavaliers in 7
Final Tally: Cleveland 12, Indiana 0
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
In another pivotal Eastern Conference matchup, the defending champion Boston Celtics, the No. 2 seed, will take on the No. 3 seed New York Knicks. The Celtics are predicted to advance following a promising start to the playoffs, with predictions indicating a strong likelihood of victory.
Expert Predictions:
– Tim MacMahon: Celtics in 6
– Kevin Pelton: Celtics in 5
– Ramona Shelburne: Celtics in 6
– Andre Snellings: Celtics in 7
– Jorge Sedano: Celtics in 6
– Jerry Bembry: Celtics in 5
– Dave McMenamin: Celtics in 7
– Jamal Collier: Celtics in 6
– Chris Herring: Celtics in 5
– Marc Spears: Celtics in 6
– Jeremy Woo: Celtics in 6
– Tim Bontemps: Celtics in 5
Final Tally: Boston 12, New York 0
Western Conference Matchups
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets
The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the Denver Nuggets, who emerged victorious after a thrilling seven-game series in the first round. The Thunder, equipped with a strong roster, are favored to win, but experts are divided on the number of games required.
Expert Predictions:
– Kevin Pelton: Thunder in 6
– Ramona Shelburne: Thunder in 7
– Jorge Sedano: Thunder in 6
– Jerry Bembry: Thunder in 6
– Dave McMenamin: Thunder in 6
– Jamal Collier: Thunder in 7
– Chris Herring: Thunder in 7
– Marc Spears: Thunder in 6
– Jeremy Woo: Thunder in 7
– Andre Snellings: Thunder in 7
Final Tally: Oklahoma City 10, Denver 0
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors
In the final Western matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves, seeded sixth, are set to challenge the Golden State Warriors. The Timberwolves have garnered significant expert support, with many predicting their advancement to the next round.
Expert Predictions:
– Omar Raja: Timberwolves in 7
– Jamal Collier: Timberwolves in 6
– Jorge Sedano: Timberwolves in 7
– Chris Herring: Timberwolves in 7
– Dave McMenamin: Timberwolves in 7
– Kevin Pelton: Timberwolves in 7
– Jeremy Woo: Timberwolves in 7
– Ohm Youngmisuk: Timberwolves in 7
– Andre Snellings: Timberwolves in 6
– Jerry Bembry: Timberwolves in 6
– Ramona Shelburne: Warriors in 6
Final Tally: Minnesota 10, Golden State 1