2025 NBA Playoffs Bracket: Complete Guide, Predictions & Key Matchups

The 2025 NBA Playoffs are set to deliver another thrilling postseason, filled with intense matchups, potential upsets, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, understanding the playoff bracket is key to following the action.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025 NBA Playoffs bracket, including:

• Latest standings and projected matchups
• First-round previews for East and West conferences
• Play-In Tournament impact on the bracket
• Important playoff dates and schedule
• Teams that have clinched playoff spots
• Potential surprise teams and upsets
• Fantasy basketball considerations
• Historical playoff trends and comparisons

Current NBA Playoff Standings and Bracket Outlook

As teams battle for playoff positioning, here are the current conference standings:

Eastern Conference (Top 6)

1. Boston Celtics (Clinched No. 1 seed)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. New York Knicks
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Orlando Magic
6. Indiana Pacers

Western Conference (Top 6)

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (Clinched No. 1 seed)
2. Denver Nuggets
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Los Angeles Clippers
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Phoenix Suns

Teams competing in the Play-In Tournament (7-10 seeds in each conference):

• Eastern Conference: Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers
• Western Conference: Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets

Eastern Conference First-Round Projections

Based on current standings, potential first-round matchups include:

• Boston Celtics vs. Play-In Tournament winner
• Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 7th seed
• New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
• Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic

Key series to watch:

• Bucks vs. Magic features Giannis Antetokounmpo against rising star Paolo Banchero
• Knicks vs. Pacers could be a rematch of last year’s exciting series

Western Conference First-Round Projections

The Western Conference matchups promise intense competition:

• Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Play-In Tournament winner
• Denver Nuggets vs. 7th seed
• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns
• LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

Notable matchups:

• Clippers vs. Mavericks could feature Luka Dončić against Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
• Timberwolves vs. Suns would showcase Anthony Edwards against Devin Booker

The Play-In Tournament’s Role

The NBA Play-In Tournament (April 15-18, 2025) will determine the final two playoff teams in each conference through this format:

• Game 1: 7th seed vs. 8th seed (winner earns 7th playoff spot)
• Game 2: 9th seed vs. 10th seed (loser eliminated)
• Game 3: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 winner (winner earns 8th playoff spot)

Important 2025 Playoff Dates

• April 15-18: Play-In Tournament
• April 19: First Round begins
• May 4-5: Conference Semifinals start
• May 18-19: Conference Finals begin
• June 5: NBA Finals Game 1

Playoff Teams and Eliminated Teams

Teams that have secured playoff berths:

• East: Celtics, Cavaliers, Knicks, Bucks, Magic, Pacers
• West: Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Clippers, Mavericks, Suns

Teams eliminated from playoff contention:

• East: Wizards, Hornets, Nets, Raptors
• West: Jazz, Pelicans, Spurs, Trail Blazers

Potential Surprise Teams

These teams could pull off first-round upsets:

• Miami Heat (if they advance through Play-In)
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Golden State Warriors

Fantasy Basketball Considerations

For fantasy players, focus on:

• Teams likely to have extended playoff runs
• Players with favorable first-round matchups
• High-usage stars who carry their teams

Historical Playoff Comparisons

Recent playoff upsets to consider:

• 2023: 8th-seeded Heat reached the Finals
• 2022: 4th-seeded Celtics defeated the 1st-seeded Heat
• 2011: 3rd-seeded Mavericks won the championship

Championship Outlook

While the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder are current favorites, teams like the Nuggets, Suns, or even a Play-In qualifier could make a deep playoff run.

Stay updated as the playoff picture becomes clearer in the coming weeks.