Cleveland, Ohio — The 2025 NBA playoffs are taking an unusual turn as the second round kicks off before the conclusion of the first round. The outcome of the decisive Game 7 between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors will finalize the playoff bracket, yet the Eastern Conference is already set, showcasing the top four seeds that have all advanced.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, the top seed, completed a commanding sweep of the Miami Heat, while the Boston Celtics defeated the scrappy Orlando Magic in five games. The New York Knicks narrowly bested the Detroit Pistons in a hard-fought six-game series, and the Indiana Pacers overcame the shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks in five. The Cavaliers are poised to battle the Pacers, while the Celtics are set to clash with the Knicks, reigniting their storied rivalry.
The Cavaliers and defending champions Celtics enter as odds-on favorites to advance, with analysts collectively anticipating that neither series will feature major upsets. Disagreements among experts mainly revolve around the number of games each series might entail.
In the Cavaliers versus Pacers matchup, experts forecast a Cleveland victory. One analyst predicts the Cavaliers will wrap up the series in five games, citing Indiana’s struggle against elite scoring and offensive glass weaknesses. Another expert concurs, emphasizing the Cavaliers’ lethal ball movement and shooting prowess, which may negate any defensive strides made by the Pacers.
Some analysts express caution over the Pacers’ ability to surprise. Although the Pacers finished strong during the regular season and demonstrated resilience against the Bucks, doubts linger about their capacity to consistently challenge the well-oiled Cleveland machine. A cautious prediction of a seven-game series reflects belief in Indiana’s offensive firepower, while ultimately placing trust in Cleveland’s defensive strength.
Shifting focus to the Celtics-Knicks series, analysts predict a competitive, yet manageable path for Boston. Despite doubts about the Knicks’ ability to hold up defensively, there is recognition of their potential, particularly with standout performances from Jalen Brunson. However, many analysts argue that the Celtics’ adaptability and cohesiveness give them the edge necessary to prevail, regardless of any inspired play from New York.
While the Knicks have positioned themselves to tackle Boston’s challenge head-on, some experts highlight Boston’s dominance during the regular season and their tactical advantage. As the Celtics remain focused on execution, maintaining their status as the favorites, questions arise about the consistency of New York’s key players and their capacity to sustain competitive advantages throughout the series.
As fans gear up for this round of the playoffs, the backdrop of historical rivalry promises intensity and drama. The stakes are high as each team vies not just for victory, but for the chance to advance deeper into the playoffs, with all eyes soon shifting to the fate of the Western Conference.