NBA Playoffs 2025 Update

The Western Conference features two of the most influential matchups in the Playoffs, with the Los Angeles Clippers facing the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on the Los Angeles Lakers.

On the other hand, the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, head to Orlando with a 2-0 lead to face the Magic, although Jayson Tatum is listed as doubtful.

The Miami Heat will try to get back in the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have proven to be the best team in the East.

NBA Playoffs 2025: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics

Despite Paolo Banchero averaging 34 points and 10 rebounds, the Orlando Magic are struggling due to a lack of creativity and offensive firepower. The absence of a true point guard has led to many empty possessions, which helps explain their 0-2 deficit against Boston. Franz Wagner has contributed an average of 24 points, but much more is expected from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has scored just nine points over two games.

The Boston Celtics have looked dominant in the first two games of the series. However, heading into Orlando, two key players are questionable: Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday. If both are unavailable, head coach Joe Mazzulla would be left with only seven players from his main rotation, forcing him to rely on less trusted pieces. Additionally, The man expected to lead the team in Tatum’s absence is Jaylen Brown, who is dealing with a nagging knee issue.

Magic vs. Celtics: Celtics

NBA Playoffs 2025: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Minnesota Timberwolves accomplished their goal by stealing a game in Los Angeles, and now they must defend their home court to advance to the next round of the Playoffs. The Wolves are a fiercely defensive team, led by a star in Anthony Edwards, who thrives in big moments. Julius Randle is coming off a 27-point performance, but they’ll need at least one more player to contribute significantly on offense. Otherwise, it will be nearly impossible to overcome LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and company.

No entanto, The Los Angeles Lakers now face the task of stealing a road win to make up for their crushing home loss. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James, top-tier performances are almost guaranteed, but all eyes will be on Austin Reaves, who must prove he’s a reliable third option. So far, he’s averaging 16 points, below his regular season average of 20.2.

Timberwolves vs. Lakers Pick: Lakers

NBA Playoffs 2025: Miami Heat x Cleveland Cavaliers

The Miami Heat dropped the first two games, but they put up a fight and showed they can make things difficult for Cleveland, a team that has proven to be the best in the East. Tyler Herro is coming off a 33-point performance. Still, head coach Erik Spoelstra must find a way to get more offensive production from Bam Adebayo, who is averaging just 17.5 points per game and has been effectively contained by Evan Mobley.

On the other hand, The Cleveland Cavaliers are the definition of a complete team, with contributions coming from every player when needed. However, Donovan Mitchell remains the franchise’s alpha, stepping up when the game is on the line. In Game 2, he scored 30 points, 17 of which came in the fourth quarter. Another notable stat: with 11 three-pointers in a single quarter, the Cavs just set a new NBA Playoffs record.

Heat vs. Cavaliers Pick: Cavaliers

NBA Playoffs 2025: Los Angeles Clippers x Denver Nuggets

The Los Angeles Clippers are poised to deliver the first blow of the Playoffs by eliminating Jokic’s Nuggets, with the series 2-1. Additionally, their defensive work has been outstanding, as evidenced by holding their opponent to just 83 points in Game 3. James Harden is thriving as a playmaker, and Ivica Zubac is proving to be an elite defender. However, the real difference-maker has been Kawhi Leonard. The star forward has put injuries behind him and is shaping both ends of the court, averaging 27.3 points and 6.7 rebounds.

Despite having Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets appear to be lost. Their offense hasn’t clicked, with the Serbian center being the only player producing solid numbers. Additionally, The departure of head coach Mike Malone has left a noticeable void in game planning and adjustments. When Jokic doesn’t run the offense, the team struggles to generate consistent scoring opportunities. He’s currently averaging 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10.7 assists.

Clippers vs. Nuggets Pick: Clippers