2025 NBA Playoffs Odds, Predictions and Schedule

With the regular season all wrapped up, the 2025 NBA Playoffs are upon us. Basketball bettors and fans alike are excited for this postseason as we have a number of storylines to follow that will definitely make the NBA Playoffs must-see television.

At the top of the Eastern Conference is the Cleveland Cavaliers who proved that they weren’t a fluke as they closed out the season on a strong note to capture the no.1 seed. Right behind the Cavs are the no.2 Boston Celtics who aim to win a second straight NBA Championship.

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder sit on top of the pecking order as they were the best team all season long. Behind them sits the no.2 Houston Rockets who is a young, scrappy roster that’s fulfilling their potential.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic are certainly at the forefront of this hardwood drama over the next two months.

And, let’s not forget the Golden State Warriors. Steph Curry and company have to win in the NBA Play-In Tournament to secure a Playoff spot. Yet, they showed the heart of a champion by finishing the regular season as one of the best teams in the league.

With that said, let’s take a look at the latest NBA Playoffs odds and make our NBA picks for each NBA Playoff series.

When Do The NBA Playoffs Start?

The NBA Playoffs begin on Saturday, April 19. However, the NBA Play-In Tournament will tip off the postseason festivities on Tuesday, April 15 and run through Thursday, April 18.

NBA Playoff Schedule

The following is a breakdown of the 2025 NBA Playoffs Schedule:

• April 15-18: NBA Play-In Tournament
• April 19: NBA Playoffs First Round begin
• May 5-May 17: NBA Conference Semifinals
• May 20-June 2: NBA Conference Finals
• June 5-June 22: NBA Finals

These dates are flexible as the Conference Semifinals and Finals can start earlier depending on how the series play out. Additionally, these dates also include seven games for each series, if necessary.

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NBA Playoffs Bracket

Let’s take a look at the 2025 NBA Playoffs Bracket:

NBA Playoffs First Round

Eastern Conference

• No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. no. 8 TBD
• No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. no. 7 Orlando Magic
• No. 3 New York Knicks vs. no. 6 Detroit Pistons
• No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. no. 5 Milwaukee Bucks

Western Conference

• No. 1 OKC Thunder vs. no. 8 TBD
• No. 2 Houston Rockets vs. no.7 Golden State Warriors
• No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. no. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves
• No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. no. 5 Los Angeles Clippers

NBA Conference Semifinals

Eastern Conference

• No. 1/no. 8 winner vs. no. 4/no. 5 winner
• No. 2/no. 7 winner vs. no.3/no. 6 winner

Western Conference

• No. 1/no. 8 winner vs. no. 4/no. 5 winner
• No. 2/no. 7 winner vs. no.3/no. 6 winner

NBA Conference Finals

Eastern Conference

Winner of (no.1/no.8 vs. no.4/no.5) vs. Winner of (no. 2/no. 7 vs. no.3/no. 6)

Western Conference

Winner of (no.1/no.8 vs. no.4/no.5) vs. Winner of (no. 2/no. 7 vs. no.3/no. 6)

NBA Finals

Eastern Conference winner vs. Western Conference winner

NBA Playoff Odds

Check out the latest NBA Playoff odds, courtesy of the best sports betting sites:

NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Predictions

Check out our NBA predictions for the opening round of the NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference:

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. TBD

As of this writing, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to wait until the conclusion of the NBA Play-In Tournament to see who their opponent will be in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic (41-41) dominated the Atlanta Hawks in the Play-In Tournament game to capture the no.7 seed and a series with the Celtics. Like you will see with Boston below, the Magic have been hit hard by injuries this year.

Fortunately, the majority of their injured players have returned except for Jalen Suggs. His absence will be felt in this series.

The Magic have one of the best defenses in the league and will need to rely on that asset to have any hope in this series. It should be noted that they did win two of three games against Boston this year. So, it will give this franchise some confidence. But will it translate into wins in the Playoffs?

The Boston Celtics (61-21) had a bit of a down year in regards to their domination in the Eastern Conference, or so the critics would have you believe. But that’s far from the truth. For a team that sits as the reigning champ, winning 61 games is no small feat. That was the third most wins in the league this year.

Furthermore, they were 33-8 at home, 14-2 in their division and 39-13 in Conference games. Additionally, Boston went 8-2 to close out the regular season. The Celtics dealt with a number of injuries this year, with a big chunk of that being Kristaps Porzingis.

Then, there’s Jaylen Brown’s right knee that has been an issue since the All-Star break. He’s dealt with injections for pain and we’ll see how he handles the postseason.

The Celtics have won over 50 games in four consecutive seasons. However, they’re attempting to win the NBA Championship two years in a row for the first time since the 1960s Boston teams. Only four teams this century have accomplished that feat.

For Boston, it’s all about health. If Porzingis and Brown are healthy, then this team should plow through the Magic and the Eastern Conference.

I’m going to give the Magic one home win this series due to their defense but Boston will make quick work of Orlando and enjoy a few extra days of rest. The Magic have the worst offense out of any Playoff team and that will be their downfall in this series.

Bet: Boston Celtics (-6000), Orlando Magic +3.5 (-160), Over 4.5 (-160)

New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons Odds

As long as the New York Knicks aren’t playing the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference, they should be able to advance. The Knicks (51-31) went 0-8 against the Cavs and Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

Nevertheless, the Knicks have a loaded roster with plenty of depth and one of the best starting 5’s in the league. Jalen Brunson is healthy and ready to lead New York to a deep Playoff run.

It will be interesting to see how the Knicks improve their defense with the possible combo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. Tom Thibodeau is known for his defense, but this team has had too many lapses on that side of the court as they finished 13^th at 113.3 ppg.

The Detroit Pistons (44-38) had one of the most amazing turnarounds in NBA history as they went 44-38 after finishing 14-68 last year. They went from the basement to the no.6 seed in one season under J.B. Bickerstaff has the head coach.

Detroit has a nice blend of veterans and young talent. They added Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tobais Harris who all have Playoff experience. Yet, the core of the team is their young players like Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.

Speaking of Cunningham, he dominated the Knicks this season with 30.8 ppg and 8.3 apg. He shot 56% from the floor in four games versus New York.

For the Pistons, this season has already been a huge success. Don’t count them out this series. They are young, athletic and give the Knicks a lot of problems.

I see this series going 6 or 7 games and the Knicks grinding out a series victory over the rising Pistons.

Bet: New York Knicks (-400), Over 5.5 games (-135), Avoid the Series Spread

Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Odds

The Milwaukee Bucks (48-34) were lucky to hold on to the no.5 seed after injuries ravaged this roster and the final month of the season. The most notable absence is Damian Lillard, who is out indefinitely with a blood clot in his right leg.

Let’s also not forget that the Indiana Pacers beat the Bucks in six games last year in the first round of the Playoffs.

So, you have recent history and injuries to suggest that the Bucks are going to have a tough time versus the Pacers this postseason.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.4 ppg and Milwaukee went 3-1 versus the Pacers this season. Yet, without a healthy Lillard, Milwaukee will be severely limited in this series.

Indiana started off the season going 16-18, but turned things around when the calendar hit the New Year. In 2025, the Pacers have been red hot as they went 34-14 over the second half of the season.

Tyrese Haliburton looks the healthiest he’s been all year, and this Pacers team could be the darkhorse to come out of the Eastern Conference, if they can contain Giannis this round. The last two years, Antetokounmpo was injured and played at less than 100%.

The Bucks have a wealth of postseason experience to draw on. Yet, they don’t have a healthy roster. The Pacers are hosting their first Playoff series in over a decade and they finished the regular season going 15-3 at home.

I see the Pacers’ depth being the deciding factor in this matchup as they win in seven games.

Bet: Indiana Pacers (-210), Over 5.5 games (-175), Bucks +1.5 (-125)

NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Predictions

Check out our NBA predictions for the opening round of the NBA Playoffs in the Western Conference:

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD

As of this writing, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have to wait until the conclusion of the NBA Play-In Tournament to see who their opponent will be in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors (48-34) beat the Grizzlies to capture the no.7 seed in the West, which we predicted at our Play-In Tournament preview. Now, they’ll have to play the young, scrappy Houston Rockets in what should be an exciting series.

The Rockets hold the no.2 seed after finishing 52-30 and look like a real contender under coach Ime Udoka. Surprisingly, this team has ranked in the Top 5 on the defensive side of the ball which makes this team even more dangerous due to their pension for offensive outbursts.

Jalen Green led the team with 21.2 ppg but this squad is loaded with talent. It’s a nice blend of youth and veteran grit. For example, Green and Alperen Sengun are the young cornerstones of this team but veterans VanVleet and Brooks bring toughness and Playoff leadership.

For Houston, it will be interesting to see if they can produce in the half-court offense and not rely on a faster pace. This has been a weakness throughout the year and you can bet that the Warriors will look to put the Rockets in this position.

Golden State has been a new squad ever since they acquired Jimmy Butler in a trade from the Miami Heat. And, he showed up big time for the Play-In game versus the Grizzlies. There’s a reason why the moniker “Playoff Jimmy” is well-known throughout the league. And, feared!

Butler went for 38 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists against Memphis on Tuesday night. If the Warriors get this kind of contribution from Butler in the Playoffs on a regular basis, then they will be very difficult to beat.

Butler has made the entire team better on both sides of the court. Additionally, he’s allowed Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody to improve as role players off the bench. Most importantly, he’s helped Steph Curry and Draymond Green turn back the clock to their peak playing days.

Houston will provide problems for Golden State with their perimeter defense, especially on Curry. Sengun will also be an issue down low, which will require the Warriors to scheme ways to stop him.

Golden State went 3-2 versus the Rockets this season. And, yet, Houston handed the Warriors a physical beatdown earlier this month when they last played.  

With that said, I still like the Warriors in this series. The shooting, experience, and heart of a champion will lead this team to a 4-3 series victory. “Playoff Jimmy” is going to be a force for the Warriors and I don’t see Houston stopping him.

And, if they find a way to slow him down, then you can expect Curry to go off for 50 points. Either way, this is going to be an exciting series!

Bet: Golden State Warriors (-175), Houston Rockets +1.5 (-115), O 5.5 (-220)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Odds

The Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33) used a 9-2 run to close out the season and move up from the no.8 to no.6 seed in the Western Conference. Their record was just one fewer win than the Los Angeles Lakers (50-32).

Led by Anthony Edwards (27.4 ppg), the 23-year-old player is a superstar in the league and a very difficult matchup for the Lakers. Furthermore, the Timberwolves are coming off a trip to the Conference Finals last year and have the Playoff experience to hold their ground versus the Lakers.

The additions of Julius Randle and Don’t DiVincenzo have paid off in the second-half of the season as the team needed time to adjust to the new players. Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert will provide issues to the Lakers’ big men as well.

Another not about Minnesota’s offense, is that they’re one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league. And, they take a lot of them. Edwards led the NBA with 320 made three pointers.

For the Lakers, this season was all about the trade for Luka Doncic and how quickly they can get the superstar on the same page with LeBron James. By April, the team looked gelled and ready for a deep run in the Playoffs.

Expanding this to include Austin Reaves as a star trio, the three players only participated in 21 games together. Nevertheless, I fully expect James, Doncic and Reaves to do the bulk of the scoring for the Lakers.

These two teams split the season series with two wins apiece. However, the Lakers won the only game in this series after trading for Doncic.

Last year, Doncic and his Mavs beat a more talented Timberwolves team in the Conference Finals. This year, I see Doncic and James beating the Timberwolves in the opening round of the Playoffs.

Minnesota’s best chance at winning is rebounding. The Lakers are 26^th in rebounding (42.4 rpg). Where the T-Wolves have one dominant scorer in Edwards, the Lakers have two in Doncic and James. Plus, Reaves is a more dangerous weapon than anyone else on Minnesota.

It will be interesting to see if the T-Wolves can establish a legit second scorer behind Edwards. If they can get Randle active on more than just points, this team has a strong chance at pulling off the upset.

I’m taking the Lakers to win in six games as the ride the superstar duo of Doncic and James. But don’t overlook the significance of Reaves and his scoring. He will be a big factor in this series.

Bet: Los Angeles Lakers (-180), Lakers -1.5 (+110), Over 5.5 (-190)

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Odds

Of the eight NBA Playoff series matchups, this is the one that I’m the most excited to see. I think it’s going to be a seven-game war with both teams’ star players having their moments to shine.

The Denver Nuggets started 37-19 but finished 50-32 on the year, going 13-13 to closer out the regular season. It led to the in-season departures of GM Calvin Booth and head coach Michael Malone. The latter had been there for a decade and won the title a few seasons ago.

In addition to the shakeup with coaching and the front office, the Nuggets have had plenty of issues on the court as well. Jamal Murray has had health issues throughout the season and the team’s defense fell to 21^st in the league (115.1 ppg).

Of course, Denver is led by one of the best big men in this history of the NBA – Nikola Jokic. The star center averaged a triple-double this season with 29.8 ppg, 12.7 rpg, and 10.2 apg.

The biggest issue with the Nuggets is their depth. Russell Westbrook and company have not provided enough scoring off the bench and it will be a problem in this series.

Much was made about Paul George leaving the Los Angeles Clippers (50-32) during last summer as many critics felt that this team was done with. But a funny thing happened on the way to the Playoffs, the Clips actually look like a real contender this year. In fact, I would argue they look better than any season with George.

We all know that this team is led by James Harden (22.8 ppg, 8.7 apg) and Kawhi Leonard (21.5 ppg). So, the biggest “but” that always surrounds the Clips is their health. Leonard is actually looking like his former self this spring. He’s playing solid basketball on both sides of the court. That’s bad news for the competition.

However, what makes the Clippers even more dangerous than the last few seasons is their role players starting with Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac. Powell had a case for being an All-Star as he scored 21.8 ppg. Zubac added 16.8 ppg and 12.6 rpg in arguably his best season in the league.

Not only did Zubac help anchor this starting five when Leonard was out, he also helped the Clippers to become a Top 5 defense. The Clips are third in points allowed at 109.4 ppg.

Additionally, LA made some shrewd moves around the All-Star break to add Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ben Simmons. These talented players, when healthy of course, add great depth off the bench and helped the second unit maintain a defensive presence.

There will be two key matchups in this series. Well, there is three if you include whomever guards Leonard. But the two key matchups that will determine the winner of this series are Murray vs. Harden and Zubac vs. Jokic.

Zubac has been solid against “Joker” over the years as he’s held Jokic to under 45% shooting and doesn’t allow Denver’s big man to control the paint or the boards.

The other matchup is more so that Harden plays better than he did to close out the Playoff series loss to the Mavericks last year, when he only scored 23 total points in the final two games.

With the way Harden has played this year, combined with the team’s playmakers on all levels, I expect “The Beard” to have a better Playoff run this year.

I think Leonard will put the Clips over the hump and into the next round. LA’s defense will smother Denver, and the Clippers’ bench will outplay the Nuggets’ bench.

Lastly, I see this series going seven games. The Clippers are 30-11 at home. They enter the Playoffs on an eight-game winning streak. Plus, I don’t have confidence in any team that dumps their coach and GM right before the postseason. And, I have the Clips as my darkhorse to win the Championship.

Bet: Los Angeles Clippers (+105), Clippers +1.5 (-200), Over 5.5 (-200)