NBA mavens’ alternatives for Knicks-Celtics, Thunder-Nuggets and each and every second-round collection

The moment around of the 2025 NBA playoffs is underway, with 8 groups going head-to-head for an opportunity to transport one step nearer to their championship hopes.

The No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers will take at the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers after the Cavs swept the Miami Heat within the first around and the protecting champion No. 2 seed Boston Celtics should face off towards the No. 3 seed New York Knicks.

In the West, after a thrilling seven-game collection, the Denver Nuggets will transfer on to stand the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder and the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves will take at the Golden State Warriors.

After a primary around stuffed with sweeps and Game 7s, our NBA mavens are making their alternatives for every second-round collection.

Schedule and information | Second around preview | Offseason information

East moment around

Cleveland Cavaliers (1)
vs. Indiana Pacers (4)

Tim MacMahon: Cavaliers in 6
Kevin Pelton: Cavaliers in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Cavaliers in 6
Andre Snellings: Cavaliers in 6
Jorge Sedano: Cavaliers in 7
Jerry Bembry: Cavaliers in 6
Dave McMenamin: Cavaliers in 6
Jamal Collier: Cavaliers in 6
Chris Herring: Cavaliers in 6
Marc Spears: Cavaliers in 6
Jeremy Woo: Cavaliers in 6
Tim Bontemps: Cavaliers in 7

Final tally:
Cleveland 12, Indiana 0

Boston Celtics (2)
vs. New York Knicks (3)

Tim MacMahon: Celtics in 6
Kevin Pelton: Celtics in 5
Ramona Shelburne: Celtics in 6
Andre Snellings: Celtics in 7
Jorge Sedano: Celtics in 6
Jerry Bembry: Celtics in 5
Dave McMenamin: Celtics in 7
Jamal Collier: Celtics in 6
Chris Herring: Celtics in 5
Marc Spears: Celtics in 6
Jeremy Woo: Celtics in 6
Tim Bontemps: Celtics in 5

Final tally:
Boston 12, New York 0

West moment around

Oklahoma City Thunder (1)
vs. Denver Nuggets (4)

Kevin Pelton: Thunder in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Thunder in 7
Jorge Sedano: Thunder in 6
Jerry Bembry: Thunder in 6
Dave McMenamin: Thunder in 6
Jamal Collier: Thunder in 7
Chris Herring: Thunder in 7
Marc Spears: Thunder in 6
Jeremy Woo: Thunder in 7
Andre Snellings: Thunder in 7

Final tally:
Oklahoma City 10, Denver 0

Minnesota Timberwolves (6)
vs. Golden State Warriors (7)

Omar Raja: Timberwolves in 7
Jamal Collier: Timberwolves in 6
Jorge Sedano: Timberwolves in 7
Chris Herring: Timberwolves in 7
Dave McMenamin: Timberwolves in 7
Kevin Pelton: Timberwolves in 7
Jeremy Woo: Timberwolves in 7
Ohm Youngmisuk: Timberwolves in 7
Andre Snellings: Timberwolves in 6
Jerry Bembry: Timberwolves in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Warriors in 6

Final tally:
Minnesota 10, Golden State 1