The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs has offered thrills with overtime periods and spectacular comebacks in the final quarter.
Despite the fact that the teams with the best ranking in the conference semifinals did not manage to secure the victory in the first game, the Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves have managed to recover.
However, the pressure increases due to injuries to key players such as Stephen Curry and Karl-Anthony Towns, which affects their respective teams.
After a second-round start full of surprises and closely contested series, we analyze the key points, the players under pressure, and what to expect as teams fight to advance to the conference finals.
(3) New York Knicks vs. (2) Boston Celtics
Jalen Brunson averages 24.3 points in the New York Knicks’ second-round series against the Boston Celtics.
Who is under the most pressure for Monday’s crucial Game 4?
Although one might think of Jayson Tatum and his long-range shooting, or of Jaylen Brown, whose shooting percentage in the series has been mediocre, the reality is that the Celtics, despite their misses from outside, have five players averaging double digits and a proven track record.
The Knicks need a stellar game from their All-Star point guard, Jalen Brunson, on Monday night. However, Brunson is being contained by the Celtics’ defense, especially by Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. Brunson is shooting only 38% in the series, and Boston is preventing him from getting to the free throw line. The Knicks are averaging only 95 points in regulation and are shooting a low 42% in the series.
In addition, Karl-Anthony Towns is now facing a left hand injury, and the Celtics are determined to intentionally foul Mitchell Robinson, who has a low free throw percentage, to steal possessions from the Knicks.
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (1) Oklahoma City Thunder
This series will go to Game 7 if…
Nikola Jokic regains his shooting touch in one of the next two games. The three-time MVP is in an unprecedented slump, shooting less than 40% from the field in three consecutive games with at least 15 attempts for the first time in his career (regular season or playoffs). Jokic has had more turnovers than assists in the series. Oklahoma City’s defense deserves credit for making Jokic’s job difficult.
(7) Golden State Warriors vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
After suffering a hamstring injury in Game 1 of the second round, Stephen Curry is out at least through Game 4 and will be reevaluated after that.
What is the biggest weakness of the Wolves, and how can the Warriors exploit it without Stephen Curry?
The Timberwolves, one of the four teams in the league in the top 10 in offense and defense during the regular season, don’t have many vulnerabilities. However, the Wolves haven’t always protected the ball as one would expect from a team. If the Warriors can continue to use Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, and Jonathan Kuminga to pressure the Wolves’ ball handlers, Golden State could steal a win to extend the series.
(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (1) Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs can recover in this series if…
They regain their historically good regular season offense. Cleveland had the best offensive rating in the NBA. But aside from Donovan Mitchell, it’s been an offensive struggle throughout the series, culminating in the Game 4 loss that put the Cavs on the brink of elimination. Mitchell did not play the second half due to an ankle injury.
What has been the biggest surprise of the second round so far?
For the first time in NBA history, three teams have recorded a point differential of more than 9 per game. It’s a big surprise that this trio is collectively struggling in the second round.
The regular season’s top three teams have a combined 4-7 record against Denver, Indiana, and New York in these playoffs.
My NBA Finals picks are:
Even though both were losing 2-1 on Sunday morning, I’m sticking with the Celtics and the Thunder. Boston’s Game 3 performance was a reminder of their matchup advantages against the Knicks when they hit three-pointers. Against the Cavaliers, the Celtics would be favorites if they reached the Eastern Conference finals. In the West, Minnesota is the safest bet to reach the conference finals and has also matched up well against Oklahoma City this season. The Thunder are back in a position to have home-court advantage during the playoffs, making them the favorites.
