Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — The stage is set for the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs as several Western Conference teams return to vie for supremacy. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves are once again in the mix, but this year, the Golden State Warriors have swapped places with the Dallas Mavericks, who reached the Finals last season.
In a repeat match-up, the Thunder will square off against the Nuggets, while the Timberwolves prepare to face the Warriors. The Thunder, having lost to the Mavericks in the previous round last year, are now looking to capitalize on their depth and experience.
Many analysts predict the Thunder and Timberwolves will advance to the Western Conference finals. However, playoff history shows that surprises can occur, making these series unpredictable.
The Thunder enter their series as the top seed, facing the fourth-seeded Nuggets. Odds from FanDuel indicate a strong favorite in Oklahoma City at -900, while Denver sits at +610. Experts are largely in agreement on the anticipated outcome. Analysts project Oklahoma City will win in five or six games, citing their depth and defensive capabilities as significant advantages.
One analyst noted that while the Nuggets possess star player Nikola Jokić, the Thunder’s overall strength and tactical prowess on both ends of the court give them the edge. The Thunder’s ability to exploit Denver’s vulnerabilities, particularly on defense, is viewed as a key factor.
On the other side of the bracket, the Timberwolves, seeded sixth, are set to clash with the seventh-seeded Warriors, who recently triumphed in a decisive Game 7 against the Rockets. The Timberwolves enter this matchup with betting odds of -178 compared to Golden State’s +150.
Predictions for this series are largely mixed, with some believing the Timberwolves will capitalize on their size and physical play to eliminate the Warriors. However, others cite Golden State’s playoff experience, particularly in late-game situations, as a crucial advantage.
Several analysts acknowledged that while the Timberwolves may take control early, the Warriors have a knack for rising to the occasion when it matters most. Observers note that Anthony Edwards’ scoring capacity could tilt the series in favor of Minnesota if he performs at his best.
As the playoffs progress, every game will be pivotal in determining which teams move forward. With an exhilarating mix of talent, strategy, and unexpected twists, the second round promises to deliver compelling basketball as each contender fights for their path to the Finals.