2025 NBA Playoffs Schedule
The 2025 NBA Playoffs have rolled into the second round, and if the first round was any indication, basketball fans should buckle upbecause the drama is just getting started. Rivalries are heating up, superstars are rising to the occasion (and occasionally falling short), and the race to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy is tighter than ever.
Whether you’re a diehard fan camped out on your couch with three remotes and a stat sheet, or just someone trying to figure out whether your favorite team’s still dancing, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, including the latest schedule, bracket updates, and fiery matchup storylines that already have fans talking trash at the watercooler.
Second Round: The Field Narrows, the Pressure Rises
The NBA’s version of a royal rumble eliminates pretenders fast, and now we’re left with eight teams clawing for conference supremacy. The second round schedule features best-of-seven showdowns that promise no shortage of buzzer-beaters, breakout performances, and knives-out defense.
Below is the complete bracket and upcoming schedule for the second round:
Eastern Conference Semifinals
- Boston Celtics (1) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (4) – Game 1 in Boston was a statement win for the Celtics, who seem determined to prove that this is finally their year. Jayson Tatum continues to torch defenses, while the Cavs, led by Donovan Mitchell, are searching for an answer to Boston’s relentless pace.
- Milwaukee Bucks (2) vs. Miami Heat (6) – If there’s one thing we know by now, it’s that you do not want to see Jimmy Butler in May. The Heat’s upset against the Knicks in Round 1 kept the bubble dream alive, but the Bucks counter with a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo and a fierce supporting cast.
Western Conference Semifinals
- Denver Nuggets (1) vs. Phoenix Suns (5) – It’s rematch time. Nikola Joki? vs. Kevin Durant is the kind of tilt that deserves popcorn and late-night highlight reels. The defending champs show no signs of rust, but Devin Booker and the Suns aren’t content with just being a good storythey want a Hollywood ending.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (3) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (7) – Young, athletic, and fearlessly talented, the Thunder have become the league’s darling overnight. But experience counts in the playoffs, and with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George back on the court, the Clippers aren’t just here to make up the numbers.
Full Schedule: Dates, Times, and TV Coverage
Here’s your cheat sheet for tuning into the mayhem. All times listed are Eastern. Grab your calendarand maybe a nap or two between games.
Monday, May 6
- Game 2: Celtics vs. Cavaliers7:00 p.m. on TNT
- Game 2: Thunder vs. Clippers9:30 p.m. on TNT
Tuesday, May 7
- Game 2: Bucks vs. Heat7:30 p.m. on TNT
- Game 2: Nuggets vs. Suns10:00 p.m. on TNT
Wednesday, May 8
- Game 3: Clippers vs. Thunder9:30 p.m. on TNT
Thursday, May 9
- Game 3: Cavaliers vs. Celtics7:00 p.m. on ESPN
- Game 3: Suns vs. Nuggets9:30 p.m. on ESPN
Friday, May 10
- Game 3: Heat vs. Bucks7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Saturday, May 11
- Game 4: Clippers vs. Thunder3:30 p.m. on ABC
- Game 4: Cavaliers vs. Celtics8:00 p.m. on ABC
More games and times will be announced as series progress. With several first-round series going the distance, fatigue could become a factor. Who has the depth and mental stamina left to rally deeper into May?
Players to Watch: Stars and X-Factors
The spotlight in the playoffs always shines brightest on the starsbut it’s the unexpected heroes who often write the best stories. So far, here are a few players worth keeping your eye on:
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics): Currently in playoff beast mode, averaging over 28 PPG. Boston will only go as far as he takes them.
- Jimmy Butler (Heat): You know the calendarwhen it flips to spring, Playoff Jimmy awakens. And the NBA should be scared.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): SGA has morphed into one of the league’s elite, and he’s making a case that the future has arrived early in OKC.
- Kawhi Leonard (Clippers): After dealing with injuries in recent seasons, he looks dialed in. If his knees hold up, the Clippers could shock the West.
Bracket Update: Who’s Still Dancing?
As the action intensifies, every possession counts. The second round is already filled with momentum swings, controversial calls, and game-winning shots. Below is the updated bracket as of May 6:
Final Thoughts: May Madness Heats Up
We’re officially in uncharted territory for several teams, and familiar ground for a few others. If history tells us anything, it’s that the second round of the NBA Playoffs tends to separate the resilient from the rattled. From coaching chess matches to clutch gene revelations, this round is where legacies start to solidify.
So whether you’re all-in on one team or just hanging on for the ride, clear your schedule, refresh your bracket apps, and keep the late-night snacks close. Because the 2025 NBA Playoffs are giving us a postseason thrill ride worth every sleepless minute.
Tip-off to legacy begins now.
