NBA Playoffs 2025: 20 Teams Battle for Championship

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland`s Path to the Playoffs: The Cavaliers, built on deep roster and strong shooting across the team, along with All-Star guards and dominant defensive big men, have been a force all season. Their modern system emphasizes defensive switching with versatile players, and Coach Kenny Atkinson has experimented with various lineups to prepare for the playoffs.

However, a lack of perimeter size is a potential weakness, especially against teams like Boston with Tatum and Brown. The midseason acquisition of De`Andre Hunter aimed to address this. Despite a strong season, their 8-8 record in the final 16 games might raise questions about their momentum heading into the playoffs. — Brian Windhorst

3-Point Shooting Consistency: Prior to March 11th, the Cavaliers were the league`s top 3-point shooting team. Since then, they have dropped to 19th. Their playoff performance hinges on regaining their earlier form. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are excellent offensive players, and Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchor the defense. However, their offense is significantly more effective when Mitchell and Garland are hitting their 3-pointers. Mitchell`s 3-point percentage dropped from 39% to 30% post All-Star break, and Garland`s from 43% to 34%. Their combined 16 three-point attempts per game make these percentage changes crucial. — Windhorst

Best-Case Scenario: With their regular-season success, the Cavaliers are legitimate title contenders. Increased playing time for starters in the playoffs could unlock another level. Their deep, balanced, and potent offense gives them a real chance to secure their second franchise championship. — Zach Kram

Clutch Performance X Factor: The Cavaliers have excelled in clutch situations, led by Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell who demonstrate exceptional offensive net points in critical moments. — Dean Oliver

2. Boston Celtics

Boston`s Path to the Playoffs: The reigning champions had a relatively smooth regular season despite injuries, especially to Kristaps Porzingis. While Cleveland secured the top seed, Boston cruised to their fourth consecutive 50-win season, entering the playoffs as favorites to reach their third NBA Finals in four years. — Tim Bontemps

Health in the Playoffs: Boston`s high volume of 3-point shooting makes them a potentially volatile team. However, if their key players, including Porzingis, Holiday, and Horford, remain healthy throughout the playoffs, they are strong favorites to defend their title. Porzingis`s health is a concern given his injury history. Staying healthy is crucial for Boston`s championship aspirations. — Bontemps

Best-Case Scenario: Boston has a strong opportunity to become the first repeat champions of the 2020s, joining a select group of teams in the 21st century who have achieved back-to-back titles. Jayson Tatum and team aim to make history this spring. — Zach Kram

Rebounding X Factor: Luke Kornet leads the league in net points added per 100 possessions on offensive rebounds and putbacks. — Dean Oliver

3. New York Knicks

New York`s Path to the Playoffs: The Knicks are having their best season in over a decade, but they consistently seem a step behind Boston and Cleveland. They are 0-8 against these top Eastern teams, with several losses being significant defeats, highlighting a gap to true title contention despite being a top-tier team. — Chris Herring

Postseason Level Up: The heavy minutes played by Tom Thibodeau`s starters is always a talking point. With players like Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby logging significant minutes, this year is no different. Jalen Brunson`s recent ankle injury and recovery might be beneficial, potentially providing rest before the playoffs. Brunson leads the league in ball possession time per game. — Herring

Round 1 Watch: A key aspect in Round 1 will be the effectiveness of playing Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson together defensively. While lineups with both have been offensively productive, their defense against top offenses has been challenged. Improving their screen-and-roll defense with this duo is critical. — Herring

The Knicks have the talent to compete with any team if healthy, especially their starting five. However, depth is a concern, and their defense against elite offenses needs improvement. While they should advance past the first round, a deep playoff run against teams like Boston seems unlikely. — Kram

Clutch Performance X Factor: Jalen Brunson dominates clutch situations, using a high percentage of possessions and generating significant offensive net points. — Dean Oliver

4. Indiana Pacers

Indiana`s Path to the Playoffs: After a slow start, the Pacers have been one of the league`s hottest teams since January 1st, largely due to Tyrese Haliburton`s All-NBA level performance. They secured home court advantage in the first round against the Bucks, a rematch of last season, aiming to build on their previous playoff success. — Jamal Collier

Haliburton`s Continued Production: Haliburton`s exceptional play has been key to the Pacers` turnaround. Since January, he`s averaged impressive stats while leading Indiana to a top offense. — Collier

Round 1 Watch: This is a rematch of the 2024 first round where the Pacers upset the Bucks. While Indiana is the higher seed this year, they had less regular-season success against Milwaukee. A major difference is a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo for the Bucks in the playoffs. — Collier

Best-Case Scenario: Their playoff ceiling depends on Cleveland`s form. If Cleveland plays to potential, a second-round exit is likely. If Cleveland is vulnerable, the Pacers have a chance to upset them and reach the conference finals, potentially setting up a Boston-Indiana conference finals again. — Kram

Layup X Factor: T.J. McConnell excels at half-court layups, while Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith are efficient in transition layups. — Dean Oliver

5. Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee`s Path to the Playoffs: The second year of the Antetokounmpo-Lillard era has been inconsistent. After a poor start, they won the NBA Cup but then traded for Kyle Kuzma at the deadline. Injuries have plagued the Bucks, with Lillard`s playoff availability uncertain, leaving Antetokounmpo to carry the team. — Collier

Lillard`s Playoff Availability: A healthy Damian Lillard is crucial for any deep Bucks playoff run. His recent injury raises concerns, but there`s optimism about a potential return. He and Antetokounmpo form the league`s highest-scoring duo. — Collier

Round 1 Watch: Injuries have caused the Bucks to slide in seeding, setting up a first-round rematch against the Pacers. Despite closing the season strong, the Pacers, led by Haliburton, have been playing exceptionally well since January. — Collier

Best-Case Scenario: While Antetokounmpo`s talent is immense, the Bucks` overall limitations and Lillard`s uncertain health make a Finals run unlikely. Their best-case scenario might be remaining competitive enough to keep Antetokounmpo satisfied long-term. — Kram

Layup X Factor: Antetokounmpo is the league`s best at generating net points from half-court layups. — Dean Oliver

6. Detroit Pistons

Detroit`s Path to the Playoffs: The Pistons achieved a remarkable turnaround, going from a historically bad record to the No. 6 seed, showcasing significant improvement under Coach J.B. Bickerstaff. — Kevin Pelton

Young Stars in the Playoffs: While veteran additions bring playoff experience, this will be the first postseason for young stars Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson. Cunningham`s performance will be crucial in shaping the Pistons` offseason approach. — Pelton

Round 1 Watch: Can Cunningham replicate his regular-season success against the Knicks in the playoffs? He consistently performed well against them, and it will be interesting to see if the Knicks use OG Anunoby to defend him. — Herring

Best-Case Scenario: This season is already a success for the Pistons. Ending their playoff win drought and potentially reaching the conference semifinals would be a bonus. While a deep run is unlikely, they will compete hard. — Kram

Transition X Factor: Detroit excels in fast-break points, with multiple players contributing significantly in transition. — Dean Oliver

7. Orlando Magic

Orlando`s Path to the Playoffs: Injuries derailed a promising Magic season. Despite losing key players for extended periods, they secured the No. 7 seed, offering hope for the future but a sense of lost potential for this season. — Herring

Elite Defense in Playoffs: The Magic`s strong defense could be key in a first-round series. Their past performance against Boston provides confidence. Their play-in game and potential first-round matchup will test their defensive capabilities. — Herring

Play-in Watch: Orlando`s poor 3-point shooting is a concern. Their success is heavily dependent on hitting a sufficient number of threes. Their play-in game against Atlanta will highlight this weakness. — Herring

Best-Case Scenario: Even if they advance from the play-in, a deep playoff run is unlikely. However, a competitive showing could build momentum for the future and set them up for contention next season. — Kram

Offensive Load X Factor: The Magic have the weakest offense among playoff teams. Wagner and Banchero carry a significant offensive load but with moderate efficiency. — Dean Oliver

8. Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta`s Path to the Playoffs: This season was seen as the start of a new era for the Hawks with draft picks and contract extensions. Trae Young remains a key player, but injuries limited their potential. They enter the play-in tournament with two chances to make the playoffs. — Bontemps

Young`s Playoff Magic: Trae Young`s past playoff performances show he can carry the Hawks. He will need to lead them again, especially with injuries impacting the team. — Bontemps

Play-in Watch: Against Orlando in the play-in, Young`s offensive prowess could be decisive, especially with Suggs out for the Magic. Orlando`s weak offense might struggle to exploit Young`s defensive weaknesses. — Bontemps

Best-Case Scenario: Their best outcome might be a repeat of their 2022-23 season: advancing through the play-in and giving Boston a competitive first-round series. — Kram

Defensive Matchup X Factor: Daniels` defensive impact is significantly better than Young`s, highlighting a defensive disparity. — Dean Oliver

9. Chicago Bulls

Chicago`s Path to the Playoffs: The Bulls reconfigured their roster, making trades and maintaining a similar record to last season, making their third consecutive play-in appearance with a younger team. — Kevin Pelton

Defensive Concerns: The Bulls` defense ranks poorly among playoff teams. Lonzo Ball`s return could help, but rim protection and forcing turnovers remain challenges. — Pelton

Play-in Watch: Miami might test Josh Giddey`s shooting in the play-in game, a strategy used against him in past playoffs. While his shooting has improved, it remains a potential vulnerability. — Herring

Best-Case Scenario: Their up-tempo style could lead to a play-in win, but a series win against top East teams is highly unlikely. Reaching the first round would be their ceiling. — Kram

3-Point Advantage X Factor: The Bulls are strong from 3-point range, gaining a net positive from threes, despite overall struggles. — Dean Oliver

10. Miami Heat

Miami`s Path to the Playoffs: Miami`s season has been turbulent, marked by roster changes and inconsistent fourth-quarter performances, leading them to the play-in tournament. — Bontemps

Herro and Adebayo`s Leadership: Miami`s future hinges on Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Herro has improved significantly, but Adebayo`s performance needs to elevate for Miami to succeed. — Bontemps

Play-in Watch: Miami`s ability to close games will be critical in the play-in tournament. Consistent performance across all quarters is essential for survival. — Bontemps

Best-Case Scenario: Despite past playoff upsets, this Heat team appears less likely to make a deep run. Making it out of the play-in rounds would be a success, with little chance of advancing further against top East teams. — Kram

Fourth Quarter X Factor: The Heat struggle in the fourth quarter, with Duncan Robinson`s performance declining significantly in the final period. — Dean Oliver

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City`s Path to the Playoffs: The Thunder have improved after becoming the youngest No. 1 seed last year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP candidate, leading a top defense. Veteran additions have seamlessly integrated. They broke point differential records despite key injuries. — Tim MacMahon

Secondary Scoring: While Gilgeous-Alexander starred last postseason, the Thunder need consistent secondary scoring, particularly from Jalen Williams, who has shown All-Star potential. — MacMahon

Best-Case Scenario: With their dominant regular season, the best case is an easy championship run, potentially mirroring the dominance of past champions. While postseason competition will be tougher, their potential is immense. — Pelton

Free Throw X Factor: Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in points generated from free throws, a significant part of his scoring. — Dean Oliver

2. Houston Rockets

Houston`s Path to the Playoffs: Coach Ime Udoka set high expectations, and the Rockets surpassed them, achieving a 50-win season. Built on grit and defense, they finished strong, emphasizing their identity heading into the playoffs. — Michael C. Wright

Playoff Inexperience: The Rockets lack playoff experience, but their physicality and style could compensate. Generating consistent half-court offense is a key challenge. Offensive rebounding is a strength, providing second chances. Consistent scoring from key players beyond Jalen Green is crucial. — Wright

Best-Case Scenario: Overcoming offensive challenges with rebounding and speed, the Rockets could reach the conference finals. A conference finals appearance combined with lottery luck would be ideal. — Pelton

Rest X Factor: Dillon Brooks performs significantly better with rest, which playoff scheduling will provide. — Dean Oliver

3. Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles` Path to the Playoffs: The Lakers` acquisition of Luka Doncic marked a successful season regardless of playoff outcome. Hiring a young coach and landing Doncic were major moves. Despite some drama, successes outweighed failures. Key players emerged, and chemistry between James and Doncic showed promise. — Dave McMenamin

Doncic, James, and Reaves Trio: The limited playing time of Doncic, James, and Reaves together raises questions about their playoff chemistry. Coach Redick dismisses experience as essential, emphasizing preparation and execution. — McMenamin

Round 1 Watch: The Lakers face the Timberwolves, whom they`ve played multiple times this season. Size is a concern for the Lakers. The matchup has rich storylines with Doncic facing his former playoff opponent. — McMenamin

Best-Case Scenario: Doncic and James develop playoff chemistry, leading to a deep run. Benefiting from opponents` 3-point shooting struggles, they could reach the Finals for the first time since 2020. — Pelton

Offensive Synergy X Factor: James and Doncic enhance teammates` shooting through passing and spacing, forming a top offensive duo. — Dean Oliver

4. Denver Nuggets

Denver`s Path to the Playoffs: After a strong start, the Nuggets made significant changes, replacing their coach and GM late in the season. Under interim coach David Adelman, they finished strong to secure the No. 4 seed, emphasizing player input and vocal leadership.