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2025 NBA Playoffs Begin with Oklahoma City and Cleveland Leading the Field

The postseason kicks off with first-round matchups as the Thunder and Cavaliers enter as top seeds, while Miami makes history as the first No. 10 seed to advance from the play-in tournament.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, right, dribbles by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Overview

  • The 2025 NBA Playoffs start April 19, with four games today, including Indiana vs. Milwaukee and Denver vs. the Clippers, followed by four more on April 20.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14) and Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18) secured the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences after dominant regular seasons.
  • Miami Heat became the first No. 10 seed to advance from the play-in tournament, earning the No. 8 seed in the East to face Cleveland in the first round.
  • Boston Celtics, the defending champions, open their first-round series against the Orlando Magic on April 20, aiming to become the first repeat champions since 1969.
  • BetMGM lists the Thunder (+185) and Celtics (+200) as the top title favorites, with Cleveland (+550) and the Lakers (+1000) considered strong contenders.