The 2025 NBA playoffs opened on April 20 of that year. Sixteen teams qualified for the tournament — eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference. Fans across the nation eagerly await thrilling matchups that promise to deliver excitement and drama as teams vie for the coveted championship title.
The postseason will continue with a traditional best-of-seven series format. Unlike the WNBA, in each series, the team with the better regular-season record will have home-court advantage. This unique arrangement increases the stakes for each match. It adds a new level of tactics, with teams trying to play to their strengths in front of raucous home crowds. Teams will not be reseeded following each round. That means that the very first seeding will dictate playoff matchups all the way to the final.
Key Teams and Matchups
Of the favorites, the other name that jumps off the page is the Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the West. Their strong regular-season record has made them the odds-on favorites to continue far into the playoffs. Tied for second behind the Suns are the Los Angeles Lakers, who earned the No. 2 seed. This perfect pairing provides a tremendous backdrop for the potential exploits as both teams look to make the most of their breakout seasons.
In the first-round of the Western Conference playoffs, the Denver Nuggets will matchup with the front running Los Angeles Clippers. Prepare for an epic battle royale! This matchup is guaranteed to be an intense showdown, as both teams will try to take control early on in the postseason. As they navigate through the challenges of the playoffs, each team will need to rely on their key players and strategies to secure a victory.
The Boston Celtics have secured the top seed in the East. Playing with conviction, they flexed their considerable depth and talent from start to finish during the regular season. The No. 3 seed ended up being the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their reward for that run is a very competitive first-round playoff matchup against the Miami Heat. Fans should brace for maximum intensity as these teams will be doing everything in their power to earn the opportunity to continue their battle deep into the playoff race.
Playoff Format and Broadcast
The 2025 NBA playoffs would be the last to feature the 2-2-1-1-1 format. This format gives the team with the best record an advantage, as they host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 (if needed). This format emphasizes the significance of home-court advantage as teams look to secure wins on their home turf while performing well on the road.
As excitement builds around this year’s playoffs, fans can catch all games leading up to the Finals on major networks. The NBA Finals conclude on or around June 5. You can follow all the excitement as it happens on ABC, ESPN App! This unique setup lets basketball fans watch their favorite teams in action and see history being made, moment by moment.
What Lies Ahead
As these playoffs move forward, every team will meet their own set of unexpected challenges that will force them to prove their fortitude and talent. With high stakes and intense competition, every game will be crucial in determining which teams advance toward the ultimate goal: winning the NBA championship.
The energy around the playoffs is insane, and everyone is on their feet, ready for jaw-dropping displays of athleticism from iconic players. The passion and artistry brought forth by each of these teams is bound to produce some magic during this tournament, and the next.
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