2025 NBA Playoffs: Second-round preview and key questions for each matchup

2025 NBA Playoffs: Second-Round Preview and Biggest Questions

After a first round packed with Game 7 thrillers, historic upsets, and dominant sweeps, the 2025 NBA Playoffs shift into the second round. With title contenders like the Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder, and Nuggets still alive, and surprises like Indiana and Minnesota gaining momentum, every series promises intrigue.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the second-round matchups, including the biggest questions, key player battles, and best bets from our NBA insiders.

🏀 Eastern Conference

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Indiana Pacers

Can the NBA’s top offenses outscore each other — or outlast?

These are the two most explosive teams left in the postseason. Cleveland led the league in scoring during the regular season (121.9 PPG), but Indiana wasn’t far behind and actually posted the best offensive efficiency in the first round of the playoffs.

Key storyline:
Can Tyrese Haliburton control the pace and keep Cleveland’s bigs out of the paint? If Darius Garland remains sidelined (toe), the Pacers may find opportunities to tilt the matchup.

X-factor:
Cleveland’s ability to defend the perimeter and force Indiana into half-court offense — something they struggled with during the regular season.

Best bet: Cavaliers -1.5 games (−180)
Cleveland’s full-strength lineup is deeper, more versatile, and better defensively. Expect the Cavs to take the series in 5 or 6 games.
Prediction: Cavs in 6

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) New York Knicks

Can New York fix its defensive scheme to slow Boston’s shooters?

The defending champs are looking strong, but New York has a chance to make this a grind-it-out series. The Knicks went 0–4 vs. Boston in the regular season — largely due to giving up 43.5% shooting from 3-point range.

Biggest concern for Boston:
The health of Jrue Holiday. He missed the final three games of Round 1, and he's their best option for guarding Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 30+ PPG in the postseason.

Key adjustment for New York:
More minutes for Mitchell Robinson, who can challenge Boston’s pick-and-roll game and prevent easy perimeter looks.

Best bet: Exact series games — 6 (+295)
Boston is too deep and too disciplined to drop this series, but the Knicks will put up a fight.
Prediction: Celtics in 6

🏀 Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets

MVP showdown: Jokic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander — but who has the better team?

The Nuggets barely survived Round 1 against the Clippers, while Oklahoma City swept Memphis and has had a week to recover. The Thunder dominated the league all year behind the best point differential in NBA history.

Big question:
Can Denver's offense — particularly Jokic and Jamal Murray — break down the NBA’s top defense? OKC has the size (Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein) and length to frustrate Jokic.

Key matchup:
Jokic vs. OKC’s frontcourt rotation. If he struggles against their double teams and perimeter switches, Denver may not have the secondary scoring to keep up.

X-factor:
Lu Dort. His defense on Jamal Murray could determine whether Denver has any shot of matching OKC’s pace and energy.

Prediction: Thunder in 6

(6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (2) Houston Rockets / (7) Golden State Warriors

What’s next for the surging Wolves?

Minnesota’s dominant 4–1 win over the Lakers highlighted their defensive ceiling and frontcourt strength — Rudy Gobert was nearly unstoppable in Game 5, posting a 27-point, 24-rebound masterpiece.

Awaiting opponent:
Game 7 between the Warriors and Rockets will determine their next test.

• If it’s Houston, the Wolves will likely try to overwhelm Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun with length and depth.

• If it’s Golden State, Minnesota will look to slow the pace and limit open 3-point looks — especially for Stephen Curry.

What to watch:
Can Anthony Edwards bounce back from a historically poor shooting series (0-for-11 from 3 in Game 5)? And will Minnesota’s bench continue to outplay opposing second units?

Prediction: Timberwolves in 6 (regardless of opponent)

🔍 Series to Watch

• Cavaliers vs. Pacers – A track meet between the league’s two best offensive teams.

• Thunder vs. Nuggets – The true MVP series between Shai and Jokic, with title implications.

• Celtics vs. Knicks – A test of defensive grit vs. elite shooting.

• Timberwolves vs. TBD – Can Minnesota finally break through to the West Finals?

The second round is where championship aspirations get tested. With elite matchups and superstars on every court, this week may shape the rest of the playoff narrative.

Stay with The Horizons Times for daily NBA Playoffs updates, game previews, and round-by-round analysis.