2025 NBA Playoffs: Round 2 Previews and Predictions

The NBA delivered during Round 1 of the playoffs! Players from the old guard like Steph Curry and Nikola Jokic played incredible basketball, while younger stars like SGA and Anthony Edwards are looking to win their first ring. From the sweeps, to Aaron Gordon’s buzzer beater, and everything in between, I thoroughly enjoyed this commencing round of the NBA playoffs. More importantly we got to bask in the glory of two Games 7s. The words “Game 7” are the greatest in all of sports and I’ll never complain watching one of those.

For those of you that missed my Round 1 Preview, here is how Biasedly Unbiased Sports fared.

Round 1 Record: 8-0

Perfect Predictions (Winner and # of Games): 5

Going a perfect 8-0 with 5 perfect predictions will not happen for me again anytime soon. In fact the law of averages will probably cause me to have an abysmal Round 2. So just let me enjoy my 8-0 record for now. More important than my record was the quality of games. I hope we get as many big time performances and close series like Round 1 provided. I’m thrilled to see legends add to their HOF resumes and the next generation enter the upper echelon of NBA stardom. With that said, let’s get into our preview for Round 2.

East

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers

Cavaliers Round 1 Recap

Cleveland dominated the Miami Heat leading to a Round 1 sweep for the first seeded team in the East. All 4 games were won handsomely by the Cavs with only one of the games being within 10 points. The Cavaliers won the series by a grand total of 122 points. If that isn’t pure domination, I don’t know what is. Cleveland had 7 players average double figures in this series. The balanced attack, even with Darius Garland missing games 3 and 4, exemplifies why the Cavaliers are so hard to deal with. Keeping the scoring balanced has allowed for Cleveland to remain unpredictable with their scoring attack. Mitchell is their primary scorer, but the emergence and progression of Evan Mobley and Ty Jerome has been a welcomed development for the Cavaliers. The offensive growth from Mobley has been monumental as it allows Cleveland to comfortably play both Jarrett Allen and Mobley together. The versatility of Evan Mobley as a player is one of the biggest reasons for Cleveland’s improvement this season.

Cavaliers X-Factor: Evan Mobley 3 Point Shooting

Pacers Round 1 Recap

Despite entering Round 1 as the higher seed with home court advantage, many expected a close series or for Indiana to be upset by Milwaukee. After watching the Pacers win in 5 games, we know that not to be the case. The Pacers proved my thoughts when I picked them to win before the start of the series. Giannis may have been the best player in the series, but the Pacers were clearly the better team. They proved their unit could be both dominate and pull out wins in close games. Tyrese Haliburton was streaky with his scoring but averaged 11.6 assists per game in the 5 games series. The remainder of the Pacers starting 5, Siakam, Turner, Nembhard, and Nesmith, all performed perfectly in their roles. The Pacers played at their normal high pace and wore down the much older Bucks team. Their impressive comeback to seal the series in Game 5 showed the playoff experience they had picked up from last season’s run to the ECF. Coming back from down 7 with just 40 seconds left as Tyrese Haliburton took over late, sending them towards a date with the Cavaliers.

Pacers X-Factor: Benedict Mathurin

Throughout the season, it was assumed that we’d see the Cavaliers battle the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Through the first round, Cleveland proved those assumptions were warranted. The Pacers, however, will not go down without a fight. Evan Mobley would be a major catalyst behind a potential Cleveland victory. Against the Heat, he shot 47.1% from three in the opening round series. We know what the Mobley provides defensively and with his rebounding, his shooting allows Cleveland to remain unpredictable offensively. In past years, he was inefficient from deep which put the Cavs in a tough position. Indiana will look to play at a high pace and run constantly in transition. To upset Cleveland, Haliburton will need to be more consistent with his shooting. With his next level playmaking ability, being able to efficiently score in the mid 20s points per game will take Indiana to the next level. With Cleveland’s scoring off the bench, I think Indiana being able to score off the bench will be imperative. I think this can come from Benedict Mathurin, TJ McConnell, and Obi Toppin. All three players are proven contributors, but I think Mathurin will be the X-Factor. His athleticism and scoring ability can provide Indiana with the spark they need in this series. Ultimately, I think Donovan Mitchell continues his playoff excellence and the Cavs just have too much for the Pacers to handle. Indiana will keep games close and may steal a game here or there, but Cleveland will continue their quest onwards.

Prediction: Cavaliers in 6

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

Celtics Round 1 Recap

Boston won games 1 and 5 without having to sweat it out, but the other three games were closer than many expected. Jayson Tatum was excellent throughout the series averaging 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across the 5 games. His partner in crime, Jaylen Brown, had a strong series of his own. As a team, they shot 37.8% from 3 and played solid defense against a struggling Orlando Magic squad. Boston showed the same strengths that were prominent during their 2024 Finals run. The Celtics play tough defense, rely heavily on 3 point shooting, and have star power with the Brown and Tatum duo. The inconsistency throughout the Magic series cause me a little bit of worry. While Orlando is an elite defensive team, their offense can hurt your eyes to watch at times. So it’s hard to take much from the Orlando series. However if you do take one thing, know Jayson Tatum is yet again on a mission and ready to win his second ring.

Celtics X-Factor: Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis

Knicks Round 1 Recap

Jalen Brunson. That’s pretty much all you need to know about the Knicks First Round Series. New York won the most exciting First Round series in the Eastern Conference against a scrappy Detroit team in six games. As I prefaced, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to victory including a 40 point game in Game 6. Brunson averaged 31 points and 8 assists in the series, all this while on a bum ankle. The way he created space on his game winner was an absolute masterpiece. Outside of Brunson, the Knicks starters all had key moments in the series. While that was positive, they got relatively no production from their bench. For anyone that has followed the NBA since Thibs coaching days with the Bulls, you know that’s just how he coaches. One thing the Knicks need is a more aggressive, consistent Karl Anthony-Towns. KAT definitely had his moment in their opening series but his numbers and aggression need to improve. The Knicks did not make that blockbuster trade for him to average under 20 points. If he can get back to his Minnesota form in this series, that will take pressure off Brunson and help the Knicks chances of pulling an upset.

Knicks X-Factor: 3 Point Shooting

For Boston, veterans Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis will be pivotal for them moving on. I really only wanted to choose one of these guys as X-Factors, but they’re both so important to Boston’s success. Jrue Holiday sat out the final three games of their series against Orlando. Holiday is so important on both ends of the floor for the Celtics. He provides another playmaker offensively and is one of the best defensive guards in the entire NBA. Porzingis has been injured for a majority of the season and did not play his best basketball in the First Round. In 2024, the Celtics were at their best with Kristaps was playing lights out basketball. If these two return to form, Boston will be near impossible to beat. Earlier I mentioned the importance at Karl Anthony-Towns playing better basketball, but the real X-Factor is the 3 point shooting for the Knicks. We all know Boston shoots from deep at an astonishing rate. Due to the talent Boston has, New York will need to be dangerous from 3 as well. When you look at New York’s roster Brunson, Towns, Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, and McBride are all very capable 3 point shooters. So it’s not unthinkable for 2-3 of them to get hot from deep. For anyone that’s read Biasedly Unbiased Sports content before, you know we don’t pick against a reigning champ until they’re beaten or proven they’re not worthy. I think the Knicks have enough talent to give Boston some trouble, but the Celtics are just too deep and experienced. I think the Celtics play great defense and win the 3 point battle on their way to a fourth consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

West

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

Thunder Round 1 Recap

The Thunder handled the Grizzlies in the only First Round sweep in the competitive Western Conference. This was a relatively uneventful series, except for Game 3. The Grizzlies were up big throughout the first half of this game, but then Oklahoma City ultimately came back late to win by 6. While the series was not a nail biter, having to play a full game and come back late was good to keep OKC in form. While his scoring output was a little lower than his regular season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still performed like the MVP candidate that he is. Two things that were great for the Thunder were the performances of Jalen Williams(23.3 PPG) and Chet Holmgren(18.5 PPG). A major question mark for this Thunder team were the secondary scorers. This team is elite on both ends of the court, so having some young stars step up to alleviate the weight on SGA’s shoulders is a major development. The Thunder go 9 deep every night and some nights will play 10 players, so there are plenty of options for the West’s #1 seed.

Thunder X-Factor: Defensive Versatility

Nuggets Round 1 Recap

Denver won arguably the best series of the First Round. The Nuggets back and forth battle with the Clippers was pure cinema. Having this be a First Round matchup was criminal, but I enjoyed every aspect of. Waking up a little tired for work on the mornings after staying up for these games was every bit worth it. Nikola Jokic continued to do Nikola Jokic things by averaging a triple double for the series. Jamal Murray returned to his playoff form which included a 43 point outburst in Game 5. As we’ve seen over the past few years, the Jokic-Murray pick and roll is nearly unstoppable once we reach the playoffs. Outside of their two stars, Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon really thrived in their roles this series. Braun set the tone defensively and both players came up with clutch shots throughout the series. The most pivotal play of this series came when Aaron Gordon dunked a Jokic miss at the buzzer to win Game 4. Denver doesn’t have a very deep bench, so the play of their five starters is pivotal to a Nuggets win.

Nuggets X-Factor: Russell Westbrook

This series features the two favorites for this season’s MVP. The Thunder ran unimpeded through the first round and feature one of the deepest roster’s in the NBA. Shai gets a lot of attention for his jaw dropping offensive highlights, but Oklahoma City is dominant on the defensive end of the court. Players like Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Chet Holmgren allow the Thunder to be versatile on the defensive end. Their 5 are always connected on that end and play an intense defensive style. For Denver and their MVP candidate, Nikola Jokic, they rely heavily on their starting 5. Jokic gives any team a chance when he’s out there. However, for the Nuggets to win, I think they’ll need a great performance from a former MVP in Russell Westbrook. In Round 1, Denver lived by Westbrook in some games and also died by Westbrook in others. Due to their limited bench production, Westbrook having a throwback series against his former team could be the catalyst Denver needs to win. Another key point will be to see which team can alleviate pressure from their stars. We’ll have to see whether Jamal Murray or Jalen Williams/Chet Holmgren step up more. While I love both these teams, I think the depth of the Thunder along with their elite defense will help put them over the top. Jokic will have some great games, but SGA and company will move on to the WCF.

Prediction: Thunder in 6

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors

Timberwolves Round 1 Recap

The Minnesota Timberwolves knocked off another All-Time player earning Anthony Edwards the nickname “King-Slayer.” Throughout the playoffs over the past two seasons the T-Wolves have knocked off Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, and now LeBron James. Edwards continues to be a star averaging 28/8/6 splits for the series, including a 43 point display in Game 4. One of the most pleasant surprises of Round 1 was the performance of Julius Randle in Minnesota. Randle averaged an efficient 22.8 points really walled up defensively against LeBron. Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels were also big time performers in this series. Similar to the Pacers in the East, it was clear some of the role players for the Timberwolves benefitted from the gained experience in last year’s playoffs. That brings us to the most shocking performance of the playoffs from one of the NBA’s most polarizing players. I, of course, am talking about Rudy Gobert. In Minnesota’s close out Game 5, Gobert put up 27 points and 24 rebounds. The Frenchman has another opportunity to keep up this momentum going against an undersized Golden State team in this round.

Timberwolves X-Factor: Offensive Rebounding

Warriors Round 1 Recap

Golden State won the second of our duo of Game 7s against a young Rockets squad. This series was a rock fight. In an era where scoring is constant, this series was a throwback for sure. For the Warriors it really came down to Steph and Jimmy offensively. Neither had their best offense series but the Golden State offense only went as far as their dynamic duo would take them. Draymond Green is the other proven champion on this roster and he did what he does best. In typical Draymond Green fashion, his stats won’t jump off the page at you. However, he did it all and set the tone for the Warriors. Box score watchers will hate on his performance, but real ball knowers understand that Golden State does not win this series without Green. Finally, we have to give props to my man Buddy Hield. I am unapologetically a Buddy Hield fan and he balled out in Game 7. With the Warriors season on the line, Hield scored 33 points on 9 of 11 from beyond the arc. This was the boost a depleted Warriors squad needed to reach Round 2. On a side note, this is why the Warriors continue to win championships. Their stars get the job done, but they always have a veteran like Hield that has a career playoff performance when it matters most. The Warriors will need more of that from their role players in order to win Steph his fifth ring in June.

Warriors X-Factor: Draymond Green

Minnesota is entering this series playing their best basketball of the season. Anthony Edwards continues to get better with each series and his supporting cast found their rhythm against Los Angeles. Outside of Edwards looking like an MVP candidate, there is another advantage that the Timberwolves have in this series. That is the size advantage for Minnesota. In the Lakers series, the Wolves racked up 65 offensive rebounds leading to key second chance points. Gobert is the first person that comes to mind when looking at this undersized Golden State squad, but Jaden McDaniels and Ant also attack the offensive glass for Minnesota. This iteration of the Warriors is not what we’ve grown accustomed to since the Mid 2010s. Klay is gone, Steph and Draymond are older, and their role players aren’t as strong as they were during their dynasty. Still, you can’t count the foursome of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Steve Kerr out of a series. The Warriors will need Steph and Jimmy to perform better offensively as well as have a third scorer step up in each game. However, the real X-Factor is Draymond Green. Draymond scored 16 points in Game 7, which made a huge difference in the Warrior’s hard-fought win. Whether it’s scoring 15+, playing elite defense, or baiting a Minnesota starter into a technical, Green will make his presence felt and likely win Golden State a game or two this series. In the end, I think the youth, depth, and elite play on both ends of the floor will win this series for the Timberwolves. I expect Curry to have some electric moments, but Anthony Edwards continues to defeat stars as he ascends to the top of the NBA.

Prediction: Timberwolves in 6