2025 NBA Playoffs: Ranking the 50 Most Impactful Players

Who will be the deciding factors in the NBA playoffs over the next couple of months?

Welcome to NBA Rank: 2025 Playoffs Edition, where experts have ranked the 50 players expected to have the biggest impact in the upcoming postseason.

Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP favorite, lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA title? Will Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, secure another championship? How far can Luka Doncic and LeBron James, playing in his 18th postseason, take the Los Angeles Lakers?

While these star players will undoubtedly play crucial roles, playoff series are often swayed by role players who elevate their performance. This list includes key veterans, young players making their playoff debuts, and potential breakout stars.

Let`s delve into the rankings, starting with No. 50 and counting down to the top player for the 2025 playoffs.

Note: The rankings are based on evaluations from a panel of over 150 reporters, editors, producers, and analysts, considering players` predicted impact for the 2025 playoffs.

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50. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

Playoff Stats: 18.9 PPG | 6.9 RPG | 4.4 APG (7 games)

Before a torn labrum injury in December, Wagner was performing at an All-Star level and in All-NBA consideration. In the season`s first month, he had eight games with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Since returning from injury, he averaged 24 points over 35 games. However, his 3-point shooting remains a concern. In last year`s first-round loss, he shot just 26.5% from beyond the arc, and this season, he remained below 30%. Orlando had a solid record when Wagner played, going six games above .500 in those contests. — Bobby Marks

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49. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Playoff Stats: 13.8 PPG | 6.7 RPG | 1.9 BPG (43 games)

Turner, a ten-year veteran, has been central to Indiana`s improved defense, which jumped to 14th in defensive rating from 24th the previous season. He contested significantly more 2-pointers than any teammate. His rim protection is comparable to Defensive Player of the Year candidates like Ivica Zubac, Draymond Green, and Evan Mobley, holding opponents to lower shooting percentages near the basket. — Chris Herring

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48. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff Stats: 5.7 PPG | 5.9 RPG | 57.4 FG% (26 games)

Hartenstein has justified his contract as a starting-caliber center in his first season of a three-year deal. He posted career highs in points (11.2), rebounds (10.7), and assists (3.8) while being a key part of the league`s top-ranked defense. His physicality, touch around the rim, and basketball IQ were vital to OKC`s record-breaking point differential. — Tim MacMahon

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47. Norman Powell, LA Clippers

Playoff Stats: 9.2 PPG | 39.2 3P% | 2.1 RPG (84 games)

Powell started the season strongly, becoming a primary scorer while Leonard recovered from a knee injury, making a case for his first All-Star selection. Though his production has dipped slightly more recently, he remains capable of scoring bursts and leading the team when needed. — Ohm Youngmisuk

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46. Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets

Playoff Stats: 16.0 PPG | 0.9 SPG | 3.1 RPG (22 games)

Brooks has a history with the Golden State Warriors, and this rivalry will continue as his Rockets face the Warriors in the first round. Brooks, likely defending Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, will be crucial in Houston`s attempt to upset the veteran Warriors. — Tim Bontemps

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45. Al Horford, Boston Celtics

Playoff Stats: 12.2 PPG | 8 RPG | 39.1 3P%

At 38, Horford is among the NBA`s oldest players but still significantly impacts one of the league`s best teams, often overshadowed by LeBron James` longevity. The Celtics have managed his minutes to ensure he`s ready for a deep playoff run, where he is expected to play a major role. — Bontemps

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44. Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff Stats: 11.4 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 0.9 SPG (16 games)

Dort is nicknamed “DPOY” by teammates for his defensive prowess. He consistently guards the toughest perimeter assignments and limits top scorers. Once known for his offense struggles, Dort has become a reliable 3-point shooter, hitting a career-best 41.2% this season. — MacMahon

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43. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat

Playoff Stats: 14.3 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 3.4 APG (46 games)

Herro had a breakout season, earning his first All-Star selection and leading Miami through the play-in tournament. For the Heat to advance further in the Eastern Conference playoffs, Herro needs to maintain his high level of production, especially against high-scoring offenses like the Cavaliers. — Bontemps

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42. Josh Hart, New York Knicks

Playoff Stats: 12.6 PPG | 9.6 RPG | 3.5 APG (24 games)

Hart is a versatile and energetic player for the Knicks. He is known for his hustle, leading the league in recovered loose balls, and set a Knicks record with nine triple-doubles this season. However, his 3-point shooting when left open is a potential weakness for opposing defenses to exploit. — Herring

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41. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Playoff Stats: 24.2 PPG | 6.2 APG | 38.9 3P% (65 games)

Murray missed some late-season games due to a hamstring injury. He returned for the final two regular-season games, scoring 15 and 16 points. For the Nuggets to contend, they need Murray at his best. When he is, he and Jokic form a formidable playoff duo. — Youngmisuk

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40. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Playoff Stats: 15.7 PPG | 2.1 BPG | 6.8 RPG (23 games)

Jackson`s offensive improvement, particularly his 3-point shooting (37.5% this season), has been underrated. He faces a challenging matchup against OKC`s Chet Holmgren, who possesses a similar skillset. — Michael C. Wright

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39. Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks

Playoff Stats: 13.1 PPG | 37.9 3P% | 4.5 RPG (39 games)

Bridges has been solid in his first season with the Knicks, taking on significant defensive responsibilities. While his performance has been inconsistent at times, his midrange game, where he shoots effectively, could be valuable in the playoffs. — Herring

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38. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

Playoff Stats: 17.1 PPG | 9.4 RPG | 3.7 APG (15 games)

Randle`s past playoff experiences have been tough. He struggled shooting in both 2021 and 2023. On a deeper Timberwolves team, he will face less offensive pressure but needs to contribute with shooting and playmaking. — Kevin Pelton

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37. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves

Playoff Stats: 13.2 PPG | 1.6 BPG | 11.0 RPG (69 games)

Rumors of Gobert`s playoff struggles might be overstated. He actually plays more minutes in the playoffs. While playoff spacing can limit his rim protection impact, his offensive rebounding and lob threat will be important, especially against teams that go small. — Pelton

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36. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Playoff Stats: 27.3 PPG | 8.6 APG | 6.8 RPG (19 games)

Morant`s paint-attacking style will be tested against Oklahoma City`s defense, which allows the fewest paint points. Memphis leads the league in drives per game, and Morant needs to be effective in the paint for the Grizzlies to succeed. — Wright

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35. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

Playoff Stats: 17.3 PPG | 6.6 RPG | 3.1 APG (70 games)

Siakam was key to Indiana`s Eastern Conference finals run last year and has performed better for the Pacers than during Toronto`s 2019 championship run. He is both an offensive threat and a defensive difference-maker. — Dave McMenamin

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34. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Playoff Stats: 16.3 PPG | 9.1 RPG | 52.3 FG% (74 games)

Adebayo had a somewhat down offensive season but finished strong, helping Miami reach the playoffs. His defensive presence was evident in the play-in tournament. He will be crucial against Cleveland in the first round, needing to be at his best for the Heat to challenge the Cavaliers. — Bontemps

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33. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Playoff Stats: 27.0 PPG | 8.6 RPG | 40.0 3P% (7 games)

Similar to Wagner, Banchero was on track for an All-Star nod before an early-season injury. He averaged career highs in points and rebounds this season. For Orlando to advance, he needs to improve his 3-point shooting percentage closer to his playoff average from last year. Orlando is expected to offer Banchero a max contract extension this offseason. — Marks

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32. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

Playoff Stats: None

Thompson effectively defended Stephen Curry in their last matchup, limiting him to poor shooting. He will likely have this defensive assignment again in the playoffs. Offensively, he needs to improve his 3-point shot, but his willingness to take those shots should open up his rim attacks. — Wright

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31. Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics

Playoff Stats: 16.6 PPG | 6.3 APG | 1.4 SPG (89 games)

Holiday has a smaller offensive role now compared to earlier in his career, but remains a top defender and clutch player. He was crucial in last year`s playoff run and will be expected to contribute similarly this postseason for Boston. — Bontemps

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30. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

Playoff Stats: 8.6 PPG | 7.1 RPG | 57.7 FG% (45 games)

Zubac is having a career season, becoming a consistent two-way force for the Clippers. He is a significant scorer and rebounder and anchors their strong defense. He could be a key player against teams like the Nuggets, as he has historically defended Nikola Jokic effectively. — Youngmisuk

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29. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Playoff Stats: 11.6 PPG | 8.9 RPG | 1.5 SPG (157 games)

A Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Green is the Warriors` defensive leader. He has been playing center recently, battling bigger opponents. Controlling rebounds and turnovers are key for the Warriors, areas where Green`s focus is needed. His emotional control will also be important in the playoffs. — Youngmisuk

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28. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets

Playoff Stats: 14.3 PPG | 6.4 RPG | 3.0 APG (52 games)

Gordon`s absence due to injury impacted Denver`s season. His playmaking alongside Jokic and Murray makes the Nuggets` offense more potent. Denver`s record improves significantly when Gordon dishes out assists. — McMenamin

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27. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

Playoff Stats: 17.1 PPG | 5.5 APG | 1.2 SPG (17 games)

Garland rebounded strongly last season after injury. Despite trade rumors, the Cavs kept him and Mitchell together. Garland had an explosive offensive season, particularly his 3-point shooting, although it dipped towards the end of the season, which is something to watch. — Brian Windhorst

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26. Derrick White, Boston Celtics

Playoff Stats: 12.4 PPG | 39.4 3P% | 3.2 RPG (72 games)

White is a highly underrated player who has developed into a reliable 3-point shooter, taking and making more attempts. Combined with his strong defense, he is arguably Boston`s second most important player after Tatum. — Bontemps

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25. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks

Playoff Stats: 12.1 PPG | 40.0 3P% | 4.9 RPG (36 games)

Anunoby is a premier 3-and-D player. He stepped up offensively when Brunson was injured, showing his scoring ability. His defense will be crucial in the playoffs, particularly in guarding key opponents. — Herring

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24. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets

Playoff Stats: None

Sengun has been productive against Draymond Green in the past. His rebounding will be a major factor in this series, especially in Houston`s lineups featuring Steven Adams. The duo of Sengun and Adams has been very effective offensively and defensively. — Wright

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23. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers

Playoff Stats: 11.7 PPG | 10.3 RPG | 62.0 FG% (18 games)

Allen responded to criticism after missing last year`s playoffs with a strong season, playing all 82 games. He adapted his role to support Mobley, sacrificing opportunities without complaint. Opponents will test his physicality and toughness. — Windhorst

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22. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

Playoff Stats: 16.9 PPG | 40.4 3P% | 4.3 APG (21 games)

Reaves had a career year, improving in points, assists, rebounds, and steals. After a strong playoff debut in 2023, he is now a known player, and teams will adjust their defenses accordingly. — McMenamin

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21. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff Stats: 15.6 PPG | 7.2 RPG | 2.5 BPG (10 games)

An injury earlier in the season likely prevented Holmgren from Defensive Player of the Year consideration. He is an excellent rim protector and versatile defender. His 3-point shooting will be important in the playoffs, as he struggled from deep in last year`s postseason. — MacMahon

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20. James Harden, LA Clippers

Playoff Stats: 22.7 PPG | 6.4 APG | 1.6 SPG (166 games)

Harden surprised many with his leadership and playmaking this season. He has been the Clippers` engine, helping Zubac and providing Leonard with another All-Star caliber player. His clutch performances will be crucial in the playoffs. — Youngmisuk

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19. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

Playoff Stats: 18.7 PPG | 8.2 APG | 4.8 RPG (15 games)

Haliburton started the season injured but returned to All-NBA form after the All-Star break. He drives the Pacers` fast-paced offense but can be a defensive target. His matchup against Damian Lillard will be interesting if Lillard is healthy. — Windhorst

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18. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics

Playoff Stats: 14.6 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 37.0 3P% (17 games)

Porzingis missed last year`s playoffs due to injury. Now healthy, his offensive versatility as a floor-spacing big man adds a new dimension to Boston`s playoff offense. — Bontemps

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17. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Playoff Stats: 14.2 PPG | 9.5 RPG | 1.9 BPG (17 games)

Mobley`s breakout season could lead to All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Cleveland`s coaching staff has utilized him more offensively. Teams will test him defensively in late-game situations. — Windhorst

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16. Jimmy Butler III, Golden State Warriors

Playoff Stats: 21.3 PPG | 6.2 RPG | 1.7 SPG (119 games)

Butler transformed the Warriors` season after arriving in February. He unleashed “Playoff Jimmy” at the end of the regular season and in the play-in game. He is motivated to win a title and will need to share the scoring load with Curry and be a defensive force alongside Green. — Youngmisuk

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15. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Playoff Stats: None

Cunningham is a complete player and a matchup problem. He is having his best season, leading the Pistons in points and assists. Despite no playoff experience, he is eager to lead Detroit`s resurgence. — Eric Woodyard

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14. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers

Playoff Stats: 21.3 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 39.9 3P% (139 games)

After concerns about his health early in the season, Leonard has returned to form. He has been scoring consistently and playing heavy minutes. Staying healthy is his priority for the playoffs after limited appearances in recent postseasons. — Youngmisuk

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13. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff Stats: 18.7 PPG | 6.8 RPG | 5.4 APG (10 games)

Williams has become a top two-way wing and a first-time All-Star. He is statistically in elite company this season. Some question if he`s a strong enough second option for a championship team. His playoff struggles last year are noted. — MacMahon

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12. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

Playoff Stats: 18.8 PPG | 10.2 RPG | 35.0 3P% (32 games)

Acquired by the Knicks for his floor spacing, Towns has delivered, shooting a career-best from deep. His rebounding and passing are strengths, but rim protection remains a concern in the playoffs. — Herring

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11. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Playoff Stats: 19.1 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 2.4 APG (124 games)

Brown`s health is a question mark for Boston`s title repeat attempt. He dealt with a knee injury late in the season. The Celtics need him at his best, like his MVP-level performance in the previous playoffs, to win the championship. — Bontemps

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10. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Playoff Stats: 23.9 PPG | 4.8 APG | 4.0 RPG (49 games)

Brunson has been a ball-dominant and highly impactful player, especially in clutch situations. He shot efficiently and scored the most clutch baskets in the NBA, despite missing time due to injury. His ability to perform under pressure is vital for the Knicks. — Herring

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9. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Playoff Stats: 28.4 PPG | 9.0 RPG | 7.2 APG (287 games)

James is the all-time leader in playoff games played. The question is how much he has left at 40 years old in his pursuit of a fifth championship ring. — McMenamin

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8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Playoff Stats: 27.8 PPG | 6.0 RPG | 5.5 APG (27 games)

Edwards silenced critics about his 3-point shooting, making a league-high number at a high percentage. He is having a career year in scoring and efficiency and is expected to earn All-NBA honors again. — Pelton

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7. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Playoff Stats: 27.0 PPG | 6.2 APG | 39.7 3P% (147 games)

Curry aims for his fifth championship. Butler`s arrival has revitalized him and the Warriors. He is still playing at a superstar level at 37. He is currently nursing a thumb injury, which will add to the challenge against the Rockets. — Youngmisuk

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6. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Playoff Stats: 26.6 PPG | 12.0 RPG | 5.2 APG (79 games)

Antetokounmpo again led the league in field goals and free throws attempted. He carried a larger offensive load with Middleton traded and Lillard missing games. He was highly efficient and averaged more assists in Lillard`s absence. Lillard`s playoff availability is uncertain due to injury. — Pelton

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5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Playoff Stats: 28.1 PPG | 5.0 APG | 5.0 RPG (54 games)

Mitchell had an elite season as a leader. He adjusted his play style to maximize the roster, especially Mobley. His shooting dipped after the All-Star break, and the Cavs` performance leveled off. — Windhorst

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4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

Playoff Stats: 30.9 PPG | 9.4 RPG | 8.0 APG (50 games)

Dončić seeks redemption this postseason after last year`s Finals disappointment. He is playing at a high level entering the playoffs, averaging impressive numbers in his recent games. — McMenamin

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3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Playoff Stats: 27.7 PPG | 12.3 RPG | 7.5 APG (80 games)

After averaging a triple-double for the season, Jokic enters the playoffs with a new coach. He is arguably the best player in any series Denver will play, but the Nuggets` success depends on contributions from his supporting cast. — McMenamin

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2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Playoff Stats: 24.0 PPG | 7.9 RPG | 4.9 APG (113 games)

Tatum remains a consistent two-way star, expected to make his fourth straight All-NBA first team and be a top MVP candidate. Boston`s chances of repeating as champions rely heavily on his performance. — Bontemps

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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff Stats: 21.7 PPG | 4.9 APG | 43.3 3P% (23 games)

Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP front-runner, leading the league in scoring and contributing on defense. Despite the Thunder`s second-round exit last season, his playoff ability is not in question. He performed exceptionally well in that series against Dallas. — MacMahon