Overview

• The 2025 NBA playoffs begin April 19–20 with eight first-round series aired on ESPN, ABC, and TNT.
• Top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers enter the postseason with the NBA’s best offensive rating at 121.0 points per 100 possessions.
• Oklahoma City Thunder, the Western Conference's top seed, excelled with a league-best defensive rating and third-ranked offense.
• Defending champions Boston Celtics are viewed as the Eastern Conference favorite despite being the No. 2 seed.
• The Los Angeles Lakers, led by newly acquired Luka Dončić, aim to contend for a title in a competitive Western Conference.