The 2025 NBA Playoffs Are Here — And It’s Shaping Up to Be a Wild Ride

If you're looking for a postseason loaded with drama, unpredictability, and tightly contested matchups, the 2025 NBA Playoffs might just be your dream come true.

This year’s playoff picture is about as close as it gets. We're seeing betting odds flip, seeds blur, and first-round matchups that feel more like conference finals. Case in point: the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors are slight favorites over the No. 2 Houston Rockets — something we rarely, if ever, see, especially with the higher seed fully healthy.

In the Western Conference, three of the four series could genuinely go either way, while in the East, at least one — maybe even two if you're a hopeful Pistons fan — are far from guaranteed. This isn't just about high seeds coasting into the second round. It’s going to be a war from day one.

Here’s your full guide to the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

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🏀 When Do the 2025 NBA Playoffs Start?

The postseason kicks off with the final play-in games on Friday, April 18:

• Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks

• Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies

From there, the real action begins the very next day. The first round tips off on Saturday, April 19, featuring a four-game slate. The road to the Finals begins in full force.

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🏆 When Do the 2025 NBA Finals Begin?

The 2025 NBA Finals are set to start on Thursday, June 5, with Game 1 tipping off at 8:30 PM ET. The team with the better regular-season record hosts — which, in this case, would be the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished with the best record in the league.

Here’s the full Finals schedule (all games at 8:30 PM ET on ABC):

• Game 1: June 5

• Game 2: June 8

• Game 3: June 11

• Game 4: June 13

• Game 5: June 16*

• Game 6: June 19*

• Game 7: June 22*
  (*if necessary)

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🗺️ Full 2025 NBA Playoff Bracket and Schedule

🔹 Eastern Conference Matchups

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) TBD

• Game 1: April 20, 7 PM (TNT)

• Game 2: April 23, 7:30 PM (NBA TV)

• Game 3: April 26, 1 PM (TNT)

• Game 4: April 28 (TBD)

• Games 5-7: April 30 – May 4 (TBD)

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic

• Game 1: April 20, 3:30 PM (ABC)

• Game 2: April 23, 7 PM (TNT)

• Game 3: April 25, 7 PM (ESPN)

• Game 4: April 27, 7 PM (TNT)

• Games 5-7: April 29 – May 3 (TBD)

(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons

• Game 1: April 19, 6 PM (ESPN)

• Game 2: April 21, 7:30 PM (TNT)

• Game 3: April 24, 7 PM (TNT)

• Game 4: April 27, 1 PM (ABC)

• Games 5-7: April 29 – May 3 (TBD)

(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks

• Game 1: April 19, 1 PM (ESPN)

• Game 2: April 22, 7 PM (NBA TV)

• Game 3: April 25, 8 PM (ESPNU/NBA TV)

• Game 4: April 27, 9:30 PM (TNT)

• Games 5-7: April 29 – May 4 (TBD)

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🔸 Western Conference Matchups

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) TBD

• Game 1: April 20, 1 PM (ABC)

• Game 2: April 22, 7:30 PM (TNT)

• Game 3: April 24, 9:30 PM (TNT)

• Game 4: April 26, 3:30 PM (TNT)

• Games 5-7: April 28 – May 3 (TBD)

(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors

• Game 1: April 20, 9:30 PM (TNT)

• Game 2: April 23, 9:30 PM (TNT)

• Game 3: April 26, 8:30 PM (ABC)

• Game 4: April 28, 10 PM (TNT)

• Games 5-7: April 30 – May 4 (TBD)

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves

• Game 1: April 19, 8:30 PM (ABC)

• Game 2: April 22, 10 PM (TNT)

• Game 3: April 25, 9:30 PM (ESPN)

• Game 4: April 27, 3:30 PM (ABC)

• Games 5-7: April 30 – May 4 (TBD)

(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) LA Clippers

• Game 1: April 19, 3:30 PM (ESPN)

• Game 2: April 21, 10 PM (TNT)

• Game 3: April 24, 10 PM (NBA TV)

• Game 4: April 26, 6 PM (TNT)

• Games 5-7: April 29 – May 3 (TBD)

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Final Thoughts

With MVP candidates, veteran legends, rising stars, and teams that are all-in for a deep run, the 2025 NBA Playoffs are bursting with potential for iconic moments. From upsets to buzzer-beaters, get ready for what could be one of the most thrilling postseasons in recent memory.

Grab your snacks. Clear your calendar. The madness begins now.