NBA Playoffs 2025 Preview

The 2025 NBA playoffs have arrived, bringing the tension, drama, and high-stakes basketball fans crave each spring.

After a season filled with significant trades, breakout performances, and thigh races across both conferences, the bracket is now set—and it features a tempting mix of contenders and rising underdogs.

The structure of this year’s postseason is familiar: 16 teams, best-of-seven series, and no room for error. With the play-in Tournament wrapped up, the field is officially complete, and several matchups in the first round already carry heavy implications for the title race and legacies on the line.

NBA Playoffs 2025 Weekly Pick Betting Odds

NBA Playoffs 2025: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat

The Cavaliers surprised many this season by finishing as the No. 1 seed in the East behind a dominant 64-18 record. Under coach J.B. Bickerstaff, they’ve built a well-rounded roster anchored by Donovan Mitchell’s scoring and Evan Mobley’s elite defense. The team-first mentality and defensive efficiency made them one of the toughest teams to beat in the league.

After an up-and-down season that included Jimmy Butler’s midseason trade to the Warriors, Miami clawed its way into the playoffs via the play-in Tournament. Erik Spoelstra’s squad, though lacking in star power, continues to punch above its weight thanks to a strong culture, Bam Adebayo’s two-way impact, and Tyler Herro’s shot-making.

Cleveland enters as a heavy favorite, but Miami has proven they can’t be written off in a playoff series. Game 1 will test whether the Cavaliers can rise to the pressure of being the hunted, not the hunters.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat Betting Pick: Miami Heat

NBA Playoffs 2025: Boston Celtic vs Orlando Magic

The reigning Champions finished with a 61-21 record despite stretches of injury troubles. Jayson Tatum continues to anchor both ends of the floor, and the team’s depth remains a strength—even with Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown battling minor injuries late in the season. They are looking to become the first team to repeat as champions since the 2017-18 Warriors.

The Magic’s rise has been one of the league’s most refreshing stories. With Paolo Banchero emerging as a legit franchise cornerstone and Franz Wagner solidifying his role as a two-way force, Orlando went from rebuilding to dangerous. Their 44-38 finish and Play-in victory showed maturity beyond their years.

Boston’s experience and championship DNA give them the edge in the series. However, Orlando’s athleticism and youth could make this series more competitive than the seeding suggests. This is a battle that Magic could lose if they failed to handle Boston’s physical defense.

Boston Celtic vs Orlando Magic Betting Pick: Boston Celtic

NBA Playoffs 2025: Los Angeles Lakers x Minnesota Timberwolves

Midseason fireworks erupted when the Lakers acquired Luka Dončić, forming a superstar trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The gamble has paid off so far, as the Lakers went 21-6 post-trade, soaring to third in the West. The chemistry is still evolving, but their talent ceiling is arguably unmatched.

On the other hand, the Timberwolves, led by All-Star guard Anthony Edwards and a resurgent Karl-Anthony Towns, compiled a 47-35 record and are coming with confidence. Rudy Gobert anchors a physical defense, and Chris Finch’s system has emphasized ball movement and toughness.

This series may come down to whether Minnesota can withstand the Lakers’ postseason experience and shot creation. Edwards vs. Dončić is a potential show-stealer, and physicality will define the tone from Game 1 onward.

Escolha de apostas Los Angeles Lakers x Minnesota Timberwolves: Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Playoffs 2025: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers

The 2023 champions had a quieter regular season, finishing fourth with a 50-32 record, but Nikola Jokić remains an unstoppable force. Denver’s offense remains elite, and if Jamal Murray stays Healthy, they’re still one of the most complete teams in the field.

The Clipper’s year can be defined by injuries and load management once again, but they’ve entered the playoffs healthy. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have looked sharp late in the season, and their veteran-laden roster gives them the poise needed in tight series.

This clash will be by far the most evenly series of the first round. Denver has the home-court advantage. However, the Clippers have more than enough experience to steal one early, a game 7 wouldn’t be a surprise in this NBA playoffs series.

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Pick: Los Angeles Clippers