2025 NBA Playoffs Update: Crucial Game 7s This Weekend
The 2025 NBA playoffs are heating up as several teams prepare for decisive Game 7 matchups. On Friday, the Houston Rockets clinched a vital win against the Golden State Warriors, overcoming them with a score of 115-107. This victory sets the stage for a high-stakes game on Sunday in Houston, where the winner will earn the right to compete against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.
Upcoming Game 7 Showdowns
This Saturday, the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers will face off in their own Game 7, following L.A.’s successful equalization of their series. The game, set for 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT/Max, promises to be an exciting conclusion to a closely contested series. The victor will advance to challenge the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Teams Advancing to the Second Round
The Oklahoma City Thunder made headlines by sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round, becoming the first team to reach the playoffs’ next stage. Likewise, the Cleveland Cavaliers achieved the only first-round sweep in the Eastern Conference, decisively defeating the Miami Heat.
Other teams that have progressed to the second round include the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Championship Predictions
As the playoffs unfold, analysts favor the Thunder and the defending champion Celtics to reach the NBA Finals. According to DraftKings, the Thunder are currently at -175 odds to win the Western Conference, while the Celtics hold -145 odds in the East.
2025 NBA Playoff Schedule Overview
Here’s a look at the upcoming playoff schedule:
- Friday, May 2
Game 6: Rockets 115, Warriors 107 - Saturday, May 3
Game 7: Nuggets vs. Clippers, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT/Max (Series tied, 3-3) - Sunday, May 4
Game 1: Cavaliers vs. Pacers, 6:00 p.m. ET, TNT/Max
Game 7: Warriors vs. Rockets, 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT/Max (Series tied, 3-3) - Monday, May 5
Game 1: Celtics vs. Knicks, Time/TV TBD - Tuesday, May 6
Game 2: Cavaliers vs. Pacers, Time/TV TBD - Wednesday, May 7
Game 2: Celtics vs. Knicks, Time/TV TBD - Friday, May 9
Game 3: Pacers vs. Cavaliers, Time/TV TBD - Saturday, May 10
Game 3: Knicks vs. Celtics, Time/TV TBD - Sunday, May 11
Game 4: Pacers vs. Cavaliers, Time/TV TBD - Monday, May 12
Game 4: Knicks vs. Celtics, Time/TV TBD - Tuesday, May 13
*Game 5: Cavaliers vs. Pacers, Time/TV TBD - Wednesday, May 14
*Game 5: Celtics vs. Knicks, Time/TV TBD - Thursday, May 15
*Game 6: Pacers vs. Cavaliers, Time/TV TBD - Friday, May 16
*Game 6: Knicks vs. Celtics, Time/TV TBD - Sunday, May 18
*Game 7: Cavaliers vs. Pacers, Time/TV TBD - Monday, May 19
*Game 7: Celtics vs. Knicks, Time/TV TBD
Key Dates to Remember
- April 15-18: Play-In Tournament
- April 19: Playoffs commence
- May 5-6 (or May 3-4): Second round starts
- May 12: NBA Draft Lottery
- May 20-21 (or May 18-19): Conference Finals begin
- June 5: NBA Finals begin
Stay tuned as the playoffs continue, with teams vying for a chance at the championship. Each game is crucial, and every fan’s support can make a difference!