2025 NBA Playoffs First Round Preview

Published: Saturday, April 19, 2025

by Matt Nazario

Eastern Conference’s Most Intriguing Series: No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Pistons

The 2024-25 Knicks season underwhelmed some fans despite a 51-win campaign. The most frustrating asterisk was the team’s abysmal performances against the league’s three best teams, going a combined 0-10 against the Celtics, Cavaliers and Thunder.

In a year the Knicks were supposed to make the leap into title contention, it felt more like a repeat of recent seasons. Still, the star power is there, and Knicks fans should hope the duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns rises to the occasion.

Detroit, which won just 17 games a year ago, shocked the league by winning 44 contests and shattering expectations. The fourth-youngest roster in the NBA has taken a major step forward, thanks to the development of young stars like Jalen Duren, Malik Beasley and Cade Cunningham.

Cunningham, a first-time All-Star this season, has thrived in the spotlight, averaging 30.8 points per game in the Pistons’ four meetings with New York. Detroit also won the season series 3-1, adding to its confidence.

Fans are in for a heavyweight bout. The Knicks have everything to lose, while the Pistons have everything to gain. It’ll be a battle of hunger, and we’ll see who wants it more.

Western Conference's Most Intriguing Series: No. 3 Lakers vs. No. 6 Timberwolves

These days, there’s no such thing as a “desirable” playoff matchup in the wild Western Conference, especially for the Los Angeles Lakers.

They’ll face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who finished 49-33 as the No. 6 seed, a testament to the West’s depth. Ranked eighth in offensive efficiency and sixth defensively, the Timberwolves are a legitimate threat on both ends of the floor.

Anthony Edwards is no stranger to high-stakes playoff moments, having led Minnesota to the Western Conference Finals last season. He’s averaged 27.8 points in 27 career playoff games.

Minnesota’s supporting cast, including Naz Reid and Julius Randle, adds even more firepower. But the Timberwolves will need Randle to shake his postseason struggles, which were well documented during his time with the New York Knicks.

Luka Dončić gave the Timberwolves nightmares during their Western Conference Finals matchup last year with the Mavericks, and the Lakers will hope for a repeat performance to boost their chances this time around.

Los Angeles will be outmatched in the paint, with Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid anchoring Minnesota’s frontcourt. The Lakers’ typically high-powered offensive trio of LeBron James, Dončić and Austin Reaves will face a stiff challenge against one of the league’s top defensive units.

The immense star power in this series will likely determine the outcome. Which stars will shine brightest? It’s a Hollywood showdown, and fans could be in for a cinematic classic.

Are Any Top Seeds in Trouble?

Personally, I’m leaning toward no. The Thunder, Rockets, Cavaliers and Celtics are all elite teams that, for the most part, should be able to hold their own against their opponents.

The most intriguing matchup among the top seeds, however, is the Rockets facing the Warriors. No matter how low a seed Golden State enters the playoffs as, the Warriors always pose a threat. With Jimmy Butler surging in recent weeks, the young Rockets will certainly have their hands full in what should be a tough series.

While I believe the Celtics will survive their opening-round test, fans should keep an eye on the Magic. Orlando cooled off late in the season due to a string of injuries but has maintained one of the league’s best defensive units all year. The concern is their offense, which at times can be borderline abysmal, and that won’t cut it against a team as well-rounded as Boston. Still, Orlando has a chance to at least make the series entertaining.

First-Round Team to Watch: No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers enter the playoffs as arguably the hottest team in the NBA, riding an eight-game winning streak to secure the No. 5 seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.

Los Angeles grinded out a 50-32 season, fueled by a career resurgence from James Harden, who earned his first All-Star selection in more than three years. Kawhi Leonard, at least for now, appears to be healthy at the right time and was key in the Clippers’ late-season surge.

The defense has been elite, ranking among the best in the league. Kris Dunn ranks third in the NBA with 128 steals, while Ivica Zubac has anchored the paint with consistent double-double production on both ends.

The Clippers face a tough first-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets, but they have a real chance to shake up the playoff picture.

Matt Nazario can be reached at matthew.nazario@student.shu.edu. 

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