Millions of people around the world tune into the highly anticipated NBA Playoffs. The 2025 edition sparks a large array of intrigue, and, to be frank, there is no clear favorite to win this year’s finals.
The 2025 NBA Playoffs are highlighted by two teams: the Oklahoma City Thunder out of the Western Conference, and the Cleveland Cavaliers out of the Eastern Conference. The Thunder are led by MVP favorite and All-Star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian guard averaged nearly 33 points per game and shot 52% from the field. The Thunder are young and exciting; they average 120.5 points per game, which is fourth in the NBA. They are also averaging 124 points per game so far this postseason. Offense is what led the Thunder to a remarkable 68-14 record, and it will be key for them down the stretch if they want to bring a chip back home to OKC. Cleveland plays a similar style of basketball. Led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the Cavs led the NBA in scoring with 121.9 points per game. Cleveland also won over 60 games, finishing with a tremendous 64-18 record. The two one-seeds are suspected by many to face off in the NBA finals; however, are there other teams that could spoil these odds?
The most obvious choice is the two-seed out of the east: the defending champion Boston Celtics. The team has incredible depth, led by veteran core Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Three-point specialist Payton Pritchard won this year’s sixth Man of the Year Award, and veteran forward Kristaps Porzingis averaged nearly 20 points in the regular season.
Another team that stands out is the three-seed out of the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Lebron James and Luca Dončić. The Lakers have the veteran leadership in James and Dončic, while also having a strong young supporting cast in Austin Reeves and Rui Hachimura. One thing that stands out to me is the strong 36-16 record against Western Conference opponents. They have an extremely difficult first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, which is another team that can make some noise this postseason.
Finally, the Los Angeles Clippers won eight straight games to close out the regular season, and after winning a game against the Nuggets in Denver, they now return home with a chance to flip the series on its head. The LA Clippers are led by Kawhi Leonard, a former NBA Champion, and James Harden. The biggest problem for the Clippers has been keeping these guys healthy. However, the superstar duo is back and ready to go and has displayed their talent on the highest stage. The Clippers also have Norman Powell, who averaged 20 in the regular season, and Ivica Zubac to pick up the slack if needed. The five-seed Clippers have the experience, talent and discipline to make a run and win the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June.
