Key Observations from the First Week of the 2025 NBA Playoffs

The initial week of the 2025 NBA playoffs` first round has concluded, highlighted by the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder`s swift sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies.

In the Eastern Conference, the top four seeds appear poised to advance to the next round. The Cleveland Cavaliers (1st seed) could complete their sweep on Monday, while the Boston Celtics (2nd seed), New York Knicks (3rd seed), and Indiana Pacers (4th seed) are aiming to finish their respective series on Tuesday.

The Western Conference has proven more competitive. The 4th-seeded Denver Nuggets and 5th-seeded LA Clippers are engaged in a tight battle after an overtime opener and a game decided by a game-winning dunk. The 7th-seeded Golden State Warriors face uncertainty regarding the status of Jimmy Butler III (pelvis injury). Meanwhile, the 3rd-seeded Los Angeles Lakers are in a difficult position, trailing 3-1 against the 6th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves following a significant loss on Sunday.

The first week delivered standout individual performances and tightly contested fourth quarters. Our NBA insiders analyze the key observations from Week 1 and preview what`s still to come.

Cavaliers lead 3-0, Celtics 3-1. Is this the anticipated Eastern Conference Finals pairing?

Brian Windhorst suggests not overlooking the Indiana Pacers, who also hold a 3-1 lead against an injured Milwaukee Bucks team. Indiana finished the regular season strong (14-4) with Tyrese Haliburton healthy, and this form has carried into the postseason. The Pacers can match Cleveland`s size while also stretching the floor. While the Celtics are widely favored over the Knicks (having swept their regular-season series 4-0), and the Cavaliers have played their best basketball in weeks against Miami, the potential matchup with Indiana is one Cleveland will definitely respect.

Which Eastern Conference team most urgently needs to adapt its strategy?

Chris Herring points to the Detroit Pistons. They have occasionally played well enough against the Knicks to potentially be up 3-1, but their youth and poor decision-making have repeatedly cost them, resulting in their 3-1 deficit. A key issue in the close Game 4 loss was Detroit`s 19 turnovers, mirroring their Game 1 defeat tally. These lost possessions are critical, especially since the Pistons lack a strong offensive rebounder in Isaiah Stewart and have struggled with inconsistent 3-point shooting (35.2% in the series). Detroit has yet to attempt more shots than New York in any game – a formula not conducive to winning. Herring suggests utilizing Dennis Schroder more (and earlier in games) alongside Cade Cunningham could help Detroit better manage the ball.

What adjustments are needed for the Warriors to secure a 3-1 lead?

Ohm Youngmisuk states that Jimmy Butler III`s return would provide a significant boost for Golden State, given he will have had five days to recover from his deep gluteal muscle contusion suffered in Game 2. If Butler remains sidelined, the Warriors need to replicate their strategy from the 104-93 Game 3 victory. Stephen Curry will again need to carry the offensive load, as he did with 36 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in Game 3 (including 25 points in the second and third quarters). He also needs supporting help, like from Buddy Hield`s 17 points and five 3-pointers spreading the floor, and Gary Payton II`s 16 points when Houston focused on Curry. Defensively, containing Jalen Green is crucial; Houston struggled for other scoring options when Green scored only seven and nine points in their two losses.

Is there a route back for the Bucks given Damian Lillard`s injury?

Kevin Pelton is doubtful. Not only is Milwaukee trailing 3-1 with potentially two of the final three games away from home, but they must also prepare as if they`ll be without Lillard (leg injury) for Game 5 and possibly beyond. Coach Doc Rivers` top priority should be finding a lineup capable of getting defensive stops. The Pacers have scored at least 120 points per 100 possessions in all three of their wins. Pelton suggests a potential solution could be starting Ryan Rollins, who filled in for Lillard during their season-ending eight-game winning streak, alongside Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez up front.

Following their first-round sweep and coach dismissal, what`s the Grizzlies` offseason strategy?

Ramona Shelburne advises the Grizzlies first secure their core future by signing Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama to contract extensions. Then, they must decisively establish and stick to a clear strategic direction. Trying three different offensive coaches with distinct visions over the past few seasons has created a sense of confusion regarding continuity. A solid identity is needed if they hope to compete effectively in a challenging Western Conference.

The outcome of the Lakers-Timberwolves series hinges on what factor?

Dave McMenamin points to depth. The Timberwolves` bench has significantly outperformed the Lakers` reserves throughout the series, notably outscoring Los Angeles` reserves 25-6 in Game 4 and holding a +42 advantage through the first three games. Lakers coach JJ Redick went so far as to use only five players for the entire second half on Sunday, opting against using Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jordan Goodwin, who had been part of L.A.`s second unit. Part of this disparity is the roster construction; Redick is apparently not convinced Alex Len is a viable backup center, and the series trend suggests he`s also hesitant to play Jaxson Hayes. In contrast, Minnesota has received strong contributions from Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, complementing the star efforts of Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.

What has been the most surprising element of the Western Conference first round thus far?

Kevin Pelton finds it surprising how quickly both coach JJ Redick of the Lakers and coach David Adelman of the Nuggets narrowed their rotations to rely almost exclusively on their top five players when facing a 2-1 deficit on the road. While Adelman was partly forced into this by Russell Westbrook`s foot injury, which caused him to miss Game 4, Denver`s bench played only 25.6 minutes on Saturday, one of the lowest totals in the past two decades for a team`s reserves. Redick took it further on Sunday, becoming the first coach in the play-by-play era to play only five players for an entire second half without substitution, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Which Western Conference team is best positioned to challenge the top-seeded Thunder?

Tim MacMahon believes the LA Clippers, currently competing with the Nuggets for the right to face the top seed, possess the necessary components to challenge the Thunder. They feature an elite defensive unit and a superstar in Kawhi Leonard who is capable of being the best player in any series, even when facing the likely MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Offseason additions Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. could spearhead the defensive effort against Gilgeous-Alexander, and while he cannot be completely stopped, the Clippers can make him work hard for every shot.