Title Race Wide Open as East Favourites Clash and West Powers Collide

By Toby Roberts 

April 18, 2025

With the regular season officially wrapped up just this past Monday morning, all eyes are now locked on what promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable postseasons in recent memory. The NBA Playoffs tip off early Sunday morning at 3:00 AM, kicking off with the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Indiana Pacers.

This year, the landscape of the league is more imbalanced than ever: the Eastern Conference features two—maybe three—true contenders, while the Western Conference looks like a battleground of elite squads, all of whom could conceivably make a run to the Finals. If you like drama, chaos, and classic playoff basketball, 2025 is about to deliver.

🔵 Eastern Conference

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks (Predicted)

Although I said I’d be doing an analysis on every playoff matchup, the 1 and 2 seed games will probably be pushovers for both the Cavs and the Celtics. The Cavs prove better everywhere than Atlanta and will once again go at Trae Young and challenge him to play defence against All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

If the Cavs are any threat to this year’s postseason, they will dispose of the Hawks in 4 games, as Atlanta’s defence will not be able to hold up. Dyson Daniels won’t be able to guard every player on the floor. Prediction: Cavs 4–0

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

Although this series may be more competitive than Cavs vs. Hawks, it’s the same story for the Orlando Magic. Both teams started the season hot but fizzled due to injuries and a lack of talent around their stars.

After starting strong, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both missed extended time, leaving the Magic shorthanded. Their defense is decent, but their paint presence is weak—both Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze are B-grade centers.

Meanwhile, the Celtics lead the league—and NBA history—in three-pointers attempted per game and are top-10 in percentage. Tatum, Brown, and White will feast on Orlando’s soft inside and shaky perimeter defense. Prediction: Celtics 4–1

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

After having the worst record in the NBA last year and the worst losing streak in North American sports history, the Pistons have turned it around and made it to the 6 seed. But it won’t be easy pickings for the Knicks.

Detroit is one of the better defensive teams, led by All-Star Cade Cunningham and surrounded by capable shooters and defensive-minded young guns like Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren. The City of Detroit will be rocking—and home fans only, as the team is limiting ticket sales to Michigan residents.

The Knicks, on the other hand, are on a mission. Karl-Anthony Towns is having a career year, and Jalen Brunson is back from injury. New York ranks 8th in three-pointers made despite being 27th in attempts—a sign of efficiency. Their defense, led by OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, is elite.

The only question? Health and stamina. The Knicks' starters log some of the most minutes in the league. Expect a gritty, dramatic series. Prediction: Knicks 4–3

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

Both teams are under the microscope: the Bucks haven’t reached the Eastern Conference Finals since 2021, and they’ve had two straight first-round exits. Meanwhile, the Pacers want to prove last year’s run wasn’t a fluke.

Milwaukee won’t be at full strength—Damian Lillard is out for Game 1—but Bobby Portis returns from suspension. The Bucks lead the league in 3-point shooting, with snipers like Taurean Prince, A.J. Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Trent Jr. They dominate the boards and have a strong defensive core with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.

Indiana, however, has one of the league’s best all-around cores and strong bench depth. The key will be Tyrese Haliburton. The team lives and dies by his playmaking, and he’s been hot and cold. Pascal Siakam is a solid second option, but Tyrese will have to be the guy if the Pacers want to move on.

Expect a close series with big momentum swings. Prediction: Bucks 4–3

🔴 Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies (Predicted)

Though the West is loaded and full of upset potential, this matchup feels one-sided. Memphis’s defense has struggled post-All-Star break, and though their offense is potent—with Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane—they rely heavily on scoring and pace.

Oklahoma City is the best defensive team in the league, both by the eye test and statistically. They lead the NBA in seven defensive categories and are led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with elite help from Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Carson Wallace.

Memphis might hang around in games, but OKC will close them out late. Prediction: OKC 4–1

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

Houston has gone from 11th in the West to 2nd—an incredible leap. The rise of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, paired with key additions like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, has brought a playoff culture back to the Rockets.

But they’ve drawn the worst first-round matchup imaginable: the Golden State Warriors. The Dubs bring championship DNA, playoff experience, and a key midseason addition in Jimmy Butler.

Golden State is aging, thin on the bench, and poor on the glass. But they know how to win. Houston will test them, but playoff savvy should win out in a nail-biter. Prediction: GSW 4–3

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

It looked like LeBron James was coasting into retirement—until Luka Doncic was shockingly traded to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. Since then, LA has looked like a title contender. Luka carries the load, LeBron stays fresh, and the team has depth, an elite coach in JJ Redick, and momentum.

Their flaws? Luka’s defense and weak center play. Jaxon Hayes is athletic but limited.

Minnesota, after last year’s WCF appearance, moved Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Dante DiVincenzo. Rudy Gobert and Randle have reputations for underperforming in the playoffs, and Anthony Edwards will have to carry the load.

The Wolves have grit—but the Lakers have Luka. Prediction: Lakers 4–1

(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers

The most evenly matched series of the round. Denver still boasts MVP-caliber Nikola Jokic and leads the league in assists and free throw attempts. But after firing Michael Malone just last week, they’ve been in disarray.

The Clippers are finally healthy. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are clicking, and Ivica Zubac could be a potential Jokic-stopper. James Harden remains a huge question mark—can he finally deliver in the playoffs?

If Kawhi and Harden both play to their potential, LA could pull off the upset. Prediction: Clippers 4–3

🏆 Final Thoughts: A Postseason for the Ages?

Between blockbuster trades, rising stars, and old dynasties fighting to stay relevant, the 2025 NBA Playoffs are set to be a classic. The East is primed for a Celtics-Cavs showdown. The West? It’s wide open.

Can Shai lead OKC to their first Finals in over a decade? Will LeBron and Luka go all the way? Are the Warriors ready for one last ride?

Strap in. This is going to be good.