Overview

• The 2025 NBA playoffs officially begin this weekend, with Game 1s for all first-round series scheduled on April 19 and 20.
• Top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, face the Memphis Grizzlies after a record-setting 68-14 season.
• In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers, under Coach of the Year candidate Kenny Atkinson, take on the Miami Heat, who became the first 10th seed to advance through the play-in tournament.
• Defending champion Boston Celtics, aiming for a repeat title, open against the Orlando Magic, who secured the No. 7 seed through the play-in.
• The Los Angeles Lakers, bolstered by midseason acquisition Luka Dončić, face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a highly anticipated Western Conference matchup.