Who will be the deciding factors in the NBA playoffs over the next couple of months?
Welcome to NBA Rank: 2025 Playoffs Edition, where ESPN experts have ranked the 50 players expected to have the biggest impact as teams battle through the postseason.
Will MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to their first championship? Can Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, add another title to his Hall of Fame legacy? How far can Luka Doncic and LeBron James, in his 18th postseason, take the Los Angeles Lakers?
While these stars will play crucial roles for their teams, playoff series are often decided by role players who elevate their performance on the biggest stage. Our ranking includes key veterans, young players making their playoff debuts, and many who could become breakout stars.
Let`s dive into the list, starting with player No. 50 and counting down to the most impactful players in the 2025 playoffs.
Note: ESPN`s NBA Rank panel, consisting of over 150 reporters, editors, producers, and analysts, ranked players based on their anticipated impact – both in quality and quantity – during the 2025 playoffs.
50. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Playoff career: 18.9 PPG | 6.9 RPG | 4.4 APG (7 games)
Before a torn labrum in early December, Wagner was on track for his first All-Star selection and All-NBA consideration. In the season`s first month, he had eight games with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Since returning from injury, he`s averaged 24 points in 35 games. A concern remains his three-point shooting. In last year`s first-round loss to Cleveland, he shot 26.5% from three. This season, he shot below 30% for the second time. Orlando was six games above .500 in the 60 games he played. — Bobby Marks
49. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Playoff career: 13.8 PPG | 6.7 RPG | 1.9 BPG (43 games)
Turner, a 10-year veteran, has been the core of Indiana`s defense, which significantly improved this season. The Pacers` defensive rating rose to 14th after being 24th in 2023-24. Turner contested 213 more two-pointers defensively than any teammate. Opposing shooters shot 8.7 percentage points below their averages near the basket against him, making Turner as effective a rim deterrent as players like Ivica Zubac, Draymond Green, and Evan Mobley. — Chris Herring
48. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 5.7 PPG | 5.9 RPG | 57.4 FG% (26 games)
The Thunder paid Hartenstein like a starting center, and he proved his worth in the first season of his $87 million deal. Hartenstein set career highs in points (11.2), rebounds (10.7), and assists (3.8) while anchoring the league`s top defense. His combination of physicality, finesse, and basketball IQ was key to OKC`s record-breaking point differential. — Tim MacMahon
47. Norman Powell, LA Clippers
Playoff career: 9.2 PPG | 39.2 3P% | 2.1 RPG (84 games)
Powell started the season strong, becoming a primary scorer while Leonard recovered from his knee injury. He was a potential All-Star candidate. While injury and Leonard`s return have slightly affected Powell`s recent play, he can still get hot quickly and lead the team in scoring when needed. — Ohm Youngmisuk
46. Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets
Playoff career: 16.0 PPG | 0.9 SPG | 3.1 RPG (22 games)
Brooks has a history with the Golden State Warriors and their fans. This rivalry will continue as Brooks, likely guarding Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, aims to help the young Rockets upset the veteran Warriors in the first round. — Tim Bontemps
45. Al Horford, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 12.2 PPG | 8 RPG | 39.1 3P%
At 38, Horford is one of the NBA`s oldest players but remains vital to the Celtics. His impact is sometimes overlooked due to LeBron James` longevity, but not in Boston. The Celtics have managed Horford`s minutes to prepare him for a deep playoff run, where he`s expected to play a significant role. — Bontemps
44. Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 11.4 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 0.9 SPG (16 games)
Dort`s teammates call him `DPOY` due to his defensive prowess. He consistently guards the toughest perimeter players, holding them below their scoring averages. Initially undrafted, Dort has become a strong three-point shooter, hitting a career-best 41.2% this season. — MacMahon
43. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Playoff career: 14.3 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 3.4 APG (46 games)
Herro had a breakout season, making his first All-Star team and leading Miami through the play-in tournament. For the Heat to make another playoff run, Herro needs to maintain his high level of play to compete with teams like the Cavaliers. — Bontemps
42. Josh Hart, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 12.6 PPG | 9.6 RPG | 3.5 APG (24 games)
Hart is a versatile, hard-working player for New York. He`s known for his hustle, leading the NBA in recovered loose balls, and broke a 56-year-old Knicks record with nine triple-doubles this season. His three-point shooting when left open (34%) is an area to watch in the playoffs. — Herring
41. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Playoff career: 24.2 PPG | 6.2 APG | 38.9 3P% (65 games)
Murray missed time late in the season with a hamstring injury. During his absence, the Nuggets made coaching and GM changes. He returned for the final two regular-season games. For the Nuggets to contend, they need Murray at his best. He and Jokic are a formidable playoff duo when Murray is playing well. — Youngmisuk
40. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Playoff career: 15.7 PPG | 2.1 BPG | 6.8 RPG (23 games)
Jackson`s offensive improvement, particularly his three-point shooting (37.5% this season), is underrated. He faces a tough matchup against OKC`s Chet Holmgren, who has a similar skillset. — Michael C. Wright
39. Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 13.1 PPG | 37.9 3P% | 4.5 RPG (39 games)
Bridges has been solid in his first Knicks season, taking on different defensive roles. While sometimes inconsistent, his best games often came against weaker teams. The playoffs offer a chance to show consistency. His midrange game, where he shot nearly 51%, could be valuable in the playoffs. — Herring
38. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
Playoff career: 17.1 PPG | 9.4 RPG | 3.7 APG (15 games)
Randle`s past playoff runs were challenging. In 2021, he shot poorly as the Knicks lost in five games. In 2023, while injured, his scoring dropped from his regular season average. On a stronger Minnesota team, Randle needs to provide shooting and playmaking without the pressure to be the primary scorer. — Kevin Pelton
37. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
Playoff career: 13.2 PPG | 1.6 BPG | 11.0 RPG (69 games)
Rumors of Gobert`s playoff struggles are overstated. He actually plays more minutes in the playoffs. While playoff spacing can limit his rim protection, the bigger challenge is punishing smaller lineups offensively with putbacks and lobs. — Pelton
36. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Playoff career: 27.3 PPG | 8.6 APG | 6.8 RPG (19 games)
Morant`s paint-attacking style will be tested against Oklahoma City`s league-best paint defense. Memphis leads the league in drives per game. Morant needs to be effective in the paint to impact this series for the Grizzlies. — Wright
35. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
Playoff career: 17.3 PPG | 6.6 RPG | 3.1 APG (70 games)
Siakam helped Indiana reach the Eastern Conference finals last year after joining mid-season, performing even better than in Toronto`s 2019 championship run. He`s an offensive threat and a strong defender. Indiana was 5-0 when Siakam had at least four steals and blocks combined. — Dave McMenamin
34. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Playoff career: 16.3 PPG | 9.1 RPG | 52.3 FG% (74 games)
Adebayo had a somewhat down offensive season, but a strong finish helped Miami reach the playoffs. He`ll be key against Cleveland, needing to be at his best for the Heat to challenge the top-seeded Cavaliers. — Bontemps
33. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Playoff career: 27.0 PPG | 8.6 RPG | 40.0 3P% (7 games)
Like Wagner, Banchero was on track for an All-Star nod before injury. In the first five games, he had three 30-point games, including a 50-point career high. He finished the season averaging career highs in points and rebounds. For Orlando to advance, Banchero needs to improve his three-point shooting from 32% this season to closer to the 40% he shot in last year`s playoffs. Orlando is expected to sign Banchero to a max contract extension this offseason. — Marks
32. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Playoff career: None
Thompson effectively defended Stephen Curry in their last matchup, limiting him to poor shooting. He`ll likely have that role again in this series, and his performance against Curry will be important for Houston. Offensively, he needs to improve his 3-point shot (27.5%), but his willingness to shoot should help his rim attacks. — Wright
31. Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 16.6 PPG | 6.3 APG | 1.4 SPG (89 games)
Holiday has a smaller offensive role than in the past, but the veteran remains a defensive standout who makes critical plays. He proved this in last year`s playoffs, and Boston will need him to do the same again this postseason. — Bontemps
30. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers
Playoff career: 8.6 PPG | 7.1 RPG | 57.7 FG% (45 games)
Zubac is having a career season, becoming a consistent contributor for the Clippers on both ends. Averaging impressive points and rebounds, he is key to the Clippers` success and anchors their defense. Despite past tendencies to go small, Zubac could be vital against teams like the Nuggets. He is the only player to hold Jokic under 45% shooting among those who have defended him extensively. — Youngmisuk
29. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Playoff career: 11.6 PPG | 8.9 RPG | 1.5 SPG (157 games)
Green, a DPOY candidate, remains the Warriors` defensive leader. Golden State has improved since Butler`s arrival, forcing Green to play center. Rebounding and turnovers are weaknesses for the Warriors, areas Green impacts. He has been more controlled emotionally this season. This control is crucial in the playoffs as the Warriors need him to defend the paint and manage matchups against players like Dillon Brooks. — Youngmisuk
28. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Playoff career: 14.3 PPG | 6.4 RPG | 3.0 APG (52 games)
Gordon missed significant time due to injuries, and Denver`s win total decreased compared to last season. Gordon`s playmaking alongside Jokic and Murray is vital to Denver`s offense, evident in their strong record when he has five or more assists. — McMenamin
27. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff career: 17.1 PPG | 5.5 APG | 1.2 SPG (17 games)
Garland had a strong bounce-back season after injury. Despite trade rumors involving him and Mitchell, the Cavs kept their backcourt together, a wise decision. Garland had an explosive offensive season, sharing the load with Mitchell. His three-point shooting was excellent early in the season but declined later, which is something to watch. — Brian Windhorst
26. Derrick White, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 12.4 PPG | 39.4 3P% | 3.2 RPG (72 games)
White, an underrated player, has evolved into a reliable three-point shooter in Boston, shooting 38% on high volume. Combined with his strong defense, he`s arguably Boston`s second most important player after Tatum. — Bontemps
25. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 12.1 PPG | 40.0 3P% | 4.9 RPG (36 games)
Anunoby is a premier 3-and-D player. When Brunson was injured, Anunoby increased his scoring with great efficiency. While his self-created offense is valuable, his defense will be crucial, especially as he is expected to guard key players like Cade Cunningham in the first round. — Herring
24. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
Playoff career: None
Sengun has performed well offensively against Draymond Green in the past. His biggest impact in this series could be rebounding, especially in Houston`s lineups with Steven Adams. Houston`s offense and defense are both significantly better when Sengun and Adams play together, along with a dominant rebounding rate. — Wright
23. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff career: 11.7 PPG | 10.3 RPG | 62.0 FG% (18 games)
Allen faced criticism after being injured in last year`s playoffs but responded by playing every game this season. He adapted to a role change to support Mobley, sacrificing shots and minutes without complaint. Opponents will continue to test his physicality and toughness. — Windhorst
22. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Playoff career: 16.9 PPG | 40.4 3P% | 4.3 APG (21 games)
Reaves had a career year, improving in points, assists, rebounds, and steals. After a strong playoff debut in 2023, Reaves is now a known threat, and teams will adjust their defenses to counter the Lakers guard. — McMenamin
21. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 15.6 PPG | 7.2 RPG | 2.5 BPG (10 games)
An injury likely cost Holmgren DPOY consideration. He is an elite rim protector and mobile defender, able to play power forward alongside another center. His three-point shooting, which dropped in last year`s playoffs, will be important. — MacMahon
20. James Harden, LA Clippers
Playoff career: 22.7 PPG | 6.4 APG | 1.6 SPG (166 games)
Harden surprised with his leadership and playmaking early in the season when expectations for the Clippers were low. He has been the Clippers` engine, helping Zubac become a force and providing Leonard with another All-Star caliber player. In April, Harden averaged impressive stats while leading the Clippers to an undefeated month. His clutch shooting, combined with Leonard`s health, could lead to a deep playoff run. — Youngmisuk
19. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Playoff career: 18.7 PPG | 8.2 APG | 4.8 RPG (15 games)
Haliburton started the season injured but returned to All-NBA form after the All-Star break, averaging 20 points and 11 assists on efficient shooting. He is key to the Pacers` fast-paced offense, but his defense can be a liability. His potential matchup against Damian Lillard will be interesting. — Windhorst
18. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 14.6 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 37.0 3P% (17 games)
Porzingis missed nearly all of last year`s playoffs due to injury. Now healthy, his versatile offense, both inside and from three-point range, adds a new dimension to Boston`s playoff offense. — Bontemps
17. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff career: 14.2 PPG | 9.5 RPG | 1.9 BPG (17 games)
Mobley`s breakout season could earn him All-NBA and DPOY honors. While already a strong defender, Cleveland`s new coaching staff has improved his offense. He increased his three-point attempts and played more aggressively. Teams will test him defensively in late-game situations. — Windhorst
16. Jimmy Butler III, Golden State Warriors
Playoff career: 21.3 PPG | 6.2 RPG | 1.7 SPG (119 games)
Butler transformed the Warriors` season after joining in February. He showcased `Playoff Jimmy` late in the season, with high-scoring performances. Butler is driven to win a title after reaching two NBA Finals with the Heat. He needs to share the scoring load with Curry, lead the team in non-Curry minutes, and form a strong defensive duo with Draymond Green. — Youngmisuk
15. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Playoff career: None
Cunningham is a versatile and complete player. He controls the Pistons` offense and is having his best season, averaging career highs in points and assists with efficient shooting and rebounding. Despite no playoff experience, he is eager to lead a Detroit resurgence. Pistons owner Tom Gores praised his leadership and unselfishness. — Eric Woodyard
14. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
Playoff career: 21.3 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 39.9 3P% (139 games)
Leonard faced questions about his health after being replaced on Team USA and missing the start of the Clippers` season. However, after a careful return, he looks like his old self, scoring consistently and playing heavy minutes. Leonard aims to be healthy for the playoffs after limited appearances in past postseasons. — Youngmisuk
13. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 18.7 PPG | 6.8 RPG | 5.4 APG (10 games)
Williams, a first-time All-Star, has become a top two-way wing. He is in elite company statistically this season. Some question if he is a strong enough second option for a championship team. His playoff struggles last year were a factor in the Thunder`s elimination. — MacMahon
12. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 18.8 PPG | 10.2 RPG | 35.0 3P% (32 games)
Acquired before the season, Towns` floor spacing was a key target for the Knicks. He delivered, shooting a career-best 42% from three and driving to the basket more often. His rebounding and passing have been strengths, but his rim protection, especially against top offenses, is a concern in the playoffs. — Herring
11. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 19.1 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 2.4 APG (124 games)
Brown`s health is a key question for Boston. He dealt with a knee injury late in the season. Boston will need him at his best, like in the 2024 playoffs, to repeat as champions. — Bontemps
10. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Playoff career: 23.9 PPG | 4.8 APG | 4.0 RPG (49 games)
Brunson controlled the ball more than anyone in the NBA this season and was highly impactful in clutch moments. Despite missing time due to injury, he excelled in close games. His ability to perform under pressure will be critical in the playoffs, especially against younger teams. — Herring
9. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Playoff career: 28.4 PPG | 9.0 RPG | 7.2 APG (287 games)
James holds the record for playoff games played, equivalent to several extra seasons. The question is how much he has left at 40 years old in his pursuit of a fifth championship. — McMenamin
8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Playoff career: 27.8 PPG | 6.0 RPG | 5.5 APG (27 games)
Edwards responded to criticism about his three-point shooting by making a league-high number of threes at a high percentage. He averaged career highs in points with excellent shooting efficiency and is expected to earn another All-NBA selection. — Pelton
7. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Playoff career: 27.0 PPG | 6.2 APG | 39.7 3P% (147 games)
Curry seeks his fifth championship. Butler`s arrival has revitalized him and the Warriors. Back in the playoffs, Curry is still playing at a superstar level at 37. He has recently had high-scoring games with many three-pointers. A thumb injury will make things tougher against the physical Rockets, who previously held him to very few points. — Youngmisuk
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Playoff career: 26.6 PPG | 12.0 RPG | 5.2 APG (79 games)
Antetokounmpo again led the league in field goals made and free throws attempted, taking on a larger offensive role with Middleton traded and Lillard missing games. He was even more efficient and averaged more assists when Lillard was out. Lillard`s injury status is uncertain for the start of the playoffs. — Pelton
5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff career: 28.1 PPG | 5.0 APG | 5.0 RPG (54 games)
Mitchell had an elite season as a leader, cooperating with coaching to maximize the roster, especially Mobley. However, his shooting declined after the All-Star break, and the Cavs` performance dipped slightly. — Windhorst
4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Playoff career: 30.9 PPG | 9.4 RPG | 8.0 APG (50 games)
Dončić seeks redemption this postseason, aiming to overcome last year`s Finals disappointment and make his former team regret trading him. He entered the playoffs in excellent form, averaging high points and efficient shooting in his recent games, leading the Lakers to a strong record. — McMenamin
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Playoff career: 27.7 PPG | 12.3 RPG | 7.5 APG (80 games)
After averaging a triple-double for the season, Jokic enters his first playoffs with a different coach. The 2023 Finals MVP will likely be the best player in any series Denver plays, but the Nuggets` success depends on contributions from his teammates. — McMenamin
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Playoff career: 24.0 PPG | 7.9 RPG | 4.9 APG (113 games)
Tatum is a consistent star, on track for his fourth straight All-NBA first team and another top MVP finish. For the Celtics to repeat as champions for the first time in a decade, Tatum`s performance will be crucial. — Bontemps
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff career: 21.7 PPG | 4.9 APG | 43.3 3P% (23 games)
Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP favorite after leading the league in scoring and averaging a career-high in assists. He also contributed defensively to the NBA`s top-ranked defense. Despite a second-round exit last season, there should be no doubt about his playoff ability. He was outstanding in that series against Dallas, with efficient scoring, rebounding, assists, and defensive stats. — MacMahon
