Particle.news
Download on the App Store
87 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

2025 NBA Playoffs Tip Off with Thunder and Cavaliers as Top Seeds

The postseason begins this weekend with eight first-round matchups, including defending champion Boston Celtics facing the Orlando Magic and record-setting Oklahoma City Thunder hosting Memphis Grizzlies.

Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The 2025 NBA playoffs begin April 19-20, with Game 1 matchups across both conferences finalized after Miami and Memphis secured the final seeds in the play-in tournament.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder enter as the No. 1 seed in the West after a historic 68-14 season, setting a league record for point differential and led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
  • The Boston Celtics, aiming for back-to-back titles, open as favorites in the East despite finishing behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, who achieved 64 wins under new coach Kenny Atkinson.
  • The Miami Heat made history as the first No. 10 seed to advance through the play-in tournament and will face the top-seeded Cavaliers in the first round.
  • Celtics star Jaylen Brown, recovering from a knee injury, has been cleared to play in Game 1 against Orlando, boosting Boston's chances in their title defense.