2025 NBA Playoffs Schedule

We’ve officially entered the sweet spot of the 2025 NBA Playoffsthe part where legends are made, dynasties are tested, and postseason lore is scribbled in sneaker marks across hardwood across the nation. With the second round now fully locked in, playoff brackets are starting to look less like chaos and more like championship blueprints. If you’re craving buzzer-beaters and defensive masterclasses, you’re in for a treat.

Full Second-Round Bracket is Set

After an electrifying opening round that saw some unexpected turns and statement performances, the second round has emerged with marquee matchups poised to keep fans glued to their screens. From coast to coast, the intrigue is at an all-time high. We’re talking typical rivalries, breakout superstars, and a fair bit of revenge tour storylines all rolled into one month of top-tier basketball.

Eastern Conference

Let’s start in the East, where history lurks in every matchup and the tension could melt shot clocks. The top-seeded clubs have held serve for the most part, but their mettle is about to be tested.

• Boston Celtics (1) vs. Miami Heat (4): Yes, that again. These two postseason warriors have seen each other more often than some families. With Jayson Tatum firing on all cylinders and Jimmy Butler in full “Playoff Jimmy” mode, expect fireworks. No series brings a heavier dose of basketball chess than Celtics vs. Heat.
• Milwaukee Bucks (2) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (3): Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be a force of nature, but don’t sleep on the Cavaliers’ retooled offense and Mitchell’s postseason firepower. This could quietly be the most tactical and physical series in the round.

Western Conference

Out West, things are absolutely cinematic. Between young talent, MVP-level performances and massive fanbases itching for another trophy, the path to the Finals looks like a Hollywood thriller.

• Denver Nuggets (1) vs. Phoenix Suns (4): Jokic versus Durant. Do we even need to give this one an intro? The reigning champs are no strangers to high-pressure games, but the Suns have amassed enough offensive talent to score on command. This one’s a seven-game classic in the making.
• Oklahoma City Thunder (2) vs. Golden State Warriors (3): Perhaps the most fun matchup of the round. The fresh, fast-developing core of OKC faces the wily experience of the Dubs. Expect contrasting stylesyouthful chaos vs. veteran controland a heavy dose of Steph Curry magic from deep.

Today’s NBA Playoff Games

The postseason train doesn’t stophere’s what’s cooking today on the NBA hardwood:

• Game 1: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat – 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
• Game 2: Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns – 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Each opener holds the potential to swing momentum and set the tone, especially critical for Miami and Phoenix, both lower seeds trying to prove they belong in the upper echelon of playoff supremacy.

How the Second Round Shapes the Title Picture

There’s no overstating the stakes here. For some teams, it’s validation of a long-term project. For others, it’s championship window timewin now or wonder what went wrong for the next decade. Let’s just say, the pressure’s higher than a Jumbotron arena intro.

Key Storylines to Watch

• Can Boston finally relay regular-season dominance into a title? It’s been all systems go for the Celtics, but banner number 18 isn’t stitched in yet.
• Is this Denver’s road to repeat? Jokic remains MVP-worthy, but road series and stacked competition will test the Nuggets beyond last year’s run.
• Will youth prevail over experience? The Thunder look like the team of the future. But is the future already here?
• What will the superstars deliver? The playoffs are where legacies are certified. Expect dazzling stat lines and possibly a few 50-piece performances too.

2025 NBA Playoffs Schedule

Here’s a glance at when to mark your calendars and cancel your plans. All series are best-of-seven format and every single one feels like a must-watch:

Eastern Conference Semifinals

• Celtics vs. Heat – Game 1: May 6 | Game 2: May 8 | Game 3: May 10 | Game 4: May 12
• Bucks vs. Cavaliers – Game 1: May 7 | Game 2: May 9 | Game 3: May 11 | Game 4: May 13

Western Conference Semifinals

• Nuggets vs. Suns – Game 1: May 6 | Game 2: May 8 | Game 3: May 10 | Game 4: May 12
• Thunder vs. Warriors – Game 1: May 7 | Game 2: May 9 | Game 3: May 11 | Game 4: May 13

Games 5-7 for all series will be scheduled as necessary, though if recent history is any indication, don’t be surprised if most of these go the distance.

Where to Watch

From cable TV to streaming apps, playoff access has never been easier:

• TNT, ESPN, ABC hold primary broadcasting dutiesexpect marquee coverage and studio breakdowns.
• Streaming: Watch on NBA.com/watch, WatchESPN, or MAX with a sports plan. Flex your digital access.

Final Thoughts: Buckle Up, It’s Only Getting Better

We’ve arrived at the meat of the 2025 NBA Playoffs menu. Gone are the first-course surprisesnow it’s all about heavy hitters, postgame drama, and fourth-quarter heroics. Fans are about to be treated to one of the most competitive postseason stretches in recent memory. Expect drama. Expect emotion. And maybe, just maybe, a few surprises that make us all rethink how brackets are supposed to play out.

So grab your jerseys, charge your remotes, mute all spoilers, and settle in. The second round has arrived. And oh boy, these games mean everything.