Latest news with #2025Playoffs
New York Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Knicks vs. Pacers live updates: 2025 NBA playoffs Game 6 start time, picks and predictions
Hello basketball fans and welcome back to The Athletic's live coverage of the 2025 NBA playoffs! Today our focus is once again on the Eastern Conference finals as the series shifts back to Indiana for Game 6. The Pacers lead 3-2 in what has been an absolute thriller of a series featuring multiple epic comebacks and down-to-the-wire finishes in nearly every game. A win tonight and Indiana advances to their first NBA Finals in 25 years, where the Pacers would face the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder. But the Knicks just had their best performance of the series in a dominant Game 5. Can they ride that momentum to a road win in Game 6 and force a Game 7 on Monday in Madison Square Garden? Stick with us as we have you covered with all the insight and analysis you need from our team of writers on the ground in Indiana as we build up to tipoff and take you through the final buzzer and beyond tonight!
Business Insider
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Insider
How to watch the NHL Playoffs: The road to the Stanley Cup is here
The road to the Stanley Cup has arrived, and the second round of the 2025 Playoffs is underway. We've put together everything you need to know about how to watch the NHL Playoffs, including live streaming options for those without cable. The Winnipeg Jets have been the standouts this season, with a 56-22-4 regular season record that put them firmly on top of the Central Division leader board. The Vegas Golden Knights lead the Pacific Division with a 50-22-10 record, while the Toronto Maple Leafs lead the Atlantic 52-26-4 and the Washington Capitals lead the Metropolitan 51-22-9. The Florida Panthers, who took home the Stanley Cup in 2024, finished the season ranked third in the Atlantic Division and have advanced to the next round of the tournament. Round 2 kicked off on May 5 and will see the top eight teams vie for a shot at the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. The first round featured two different match-ups that went all the way to game seven: the Colorado Avalanche vs. the Dallas Stars and the Jets vs. the St. Louis Blues. Dallas and Winnipeg ultimately managed to win their respective series, with the Jets' victory coming in double overtime. So far, the second round has been slightly less dramatic, with no major sweeps or upsets (yet). Whether you're rooting for the Panthers to repeat last year's success or hoping to see a new team rise to the top, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to tune in to each best-of-seven round, no matter where you are. How to watch the NHL Playoffs: quick links US: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TNT, truTV, TBS Sling TV (All games) DirecTV (All games) ESPN Plus (ABC games only) Max (TNT/truTV/TBS games only) Access subscriptions anywhere: ExpressVPN (try risk-free for 30 days) When: April 19—June 23, 2025 at the very latest What channels are the NHL Playoff games on? The NHL Playoffs are spread across a few different channels. Games will air on the ESPN/ESPN2/ABC and TNT/truTV/TBS family of networks. As the rounds progress, the games will mainly be on ESPN, ABC, and TNT/truTV. All games will be nationally televised, so (unlike during the regular season) there won't be any streaming-exclusive matchups. How to watch the NHL Playoffs in the US For cord-cutters, the best way to ensure you don't miss a game is to subscribe to a streaming service that carries all of the networks. Some of our favorite all-inclusive live streaming services are Sling TV and DirecTV. All of the options below, though, are solid and feature in our roundup of the top sports streaming services. Sling TV is the cheapest way to watch every single game in the NHL Playoffs. You'll want to opt for Sling Orange, which comes with ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS, in addition to 31 other live channels. From what we've seen in the network lineup so far, all truTV games appear to be simulcast on TNT or TBS, so you don't need to worry about getting truTV. Additionally, most ABC NHL games are available through ESPN3, which is also included with Sling Orange. Sling subscriptions start at just $46/month, making it the most affordable live streaming channel package with sports, and new users can get 50% off their first month of service. DirecTV also carries everything you'll need to watch the NHL Playoffs with its DirecTV MySports package. MySports offers ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, and ABC (in select regions), in addition to about 20 other popular live sports channels. Subscriptions start at $70/month and come with a five-day free trial for new customers. The above options are the two core packages we recommend for cord-cutters looking for a way to live stream every single game of the 2025 NHL Playoffs. Other streaming services will be able to help you out with specific games. For example, ESPN Plus should eventually come in handy for some ABC games. No further scheduling/streaming announcements have been made so far, but ESPN Plus carried the ABC games for the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals. The NHL on ESPN Plus landing page also says that you can stream every game of the East or West Conference Finals. Subscriptions start at $12/month. Max will live stream every single TNT, truTV, and TBS game through its B/R Sports Add-on. The add-on is included in all ad-free Max subscriptions, which start at $17/month. The ad-free designation is for the on-demand content, so ads will still appear on live sports. How to watch the NHL Playoffs from anywhere NHL fans traveling outside the US can still keep up with their usual watch options with the help of a VPN, or virtual private network. VPNs are handy tools that allow you to change your virtual location, so you can use your usual websites and apps from anywhere in the world. The services we've recommended require US payment methods, so this option will work best for Americans who are simply abroad at the moment. ExpressVPN is our top VPN recommendation. It's a breezy, cybersecurity-focused service with a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You can read more about it in our ExpressVPN review, and see below to learn how to use a VPN. How to watch the NHL Playoffs with a VPN Sign up for a VPN if you don't already have one. Install it on the device you're using to watch. Turn it on and set it to a US location. Sign up for one of the above streaming services. Enjoy the games! Round 1 match-ups Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets Round 2 match-ups
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Timberwolves Make Unfortunate History Against Warriors
The Minnesota Timberwolves had five days to prepare for the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 2025 Playoffs. They looked extremely rusty, as Minnesota set the record for their lowest-scoring first half in franchise history with 31 points. That is a bad sign for the Timberwolves because they are the favorites for this game, but they could not hit the broadside of the barn during the first half, as the Warriors had a decent 44-point half. Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images This is not what people expected from the Timberwolves, considering they had the third-best offensive rating during the 2024-25 regular season. A big part of their first-half struggles was Anthony Edwards, who could not buy a shot and only scored one point from the free-throw line. Advertisement Another reason for their struggles was their three-point shooting. They took 15 shots and could not make one. This should be an anomaly for one of the NBA's best offenses, but it is a historically bad look on the big stage. Related: Anthony Edwards Gets Unexpected Superstar Praise From WWE Icon Randy Orton Edwards Struggles From Game 7 Continue During Game 7 of the Timberwolves' series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Edwards struggled with only 15 points on 26.3% from the field. Those issues persisted against the Warriors in the first half of Game 1, as he could not buy a basket no matter how hard he tried. Everyone knows Ant can bounce back from this, but it is a bit worrying to see Minnesota's superstar doing this. Thankfully, the Timberwolves have a superb supporting cast, with Julius Randle spearheading the offense during Edwards' struggles. Advertisement Randle was the Timberwolves' leading scorer in the first half of Game 1, scoring eight points. That should change in future games as Chris Finch will demand more from his players. The Timberwolves Might Be Too Reliant On Three-Pointers During Game 7 against the Lakers and in the first half of Game 1 against the Warriors, the Timberwolves shot plenty of threes. Shooting is a big part of their successful offense, but they need alternatives whenever the team struggles. Edwards driving to the rim is an obvious choice, but others should emulate him. Randle has handled it well with his bully ball style, but players like Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker could be more aggressive on offense. Advertisement Timberwolves fans hope this is a small blip for the team as they must meet expectations and become a contender in the Western Conference again. Related: Mike Conley Sends Strong Message To Draymond Green And The Golden State Warriors
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Everything the people in Dallas said about him is true" - Sam Mitchell believes Luka needs to improve his conditioning if he wants to prove his worth
Before the 2025 Playoffs began, it seemed like Luka Doncic was destined to achieve greatness. After quickly making a place for himself under coach JJ Redick's system, averaging 28.2 points and 7.5 assists across 28 regular-season games, all signs indicated the Slovenian guard might lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a deep playoff run. However, in the very first round, Luka's defensive lapses and lack of proper conditioning were exposed by the Minnesota Timberwolves. This prompted Sam Mitchell to highlight how it is time for everyone to truly see the kind of mentality "The Don" has and the extent to which he can go to prove his worth next season. Advertisement "Luka has got one or two choices. Either come back in shape, like a pro, we think he's gotta do because he got embarrassed in that series, or he comes back like he looked this year, then everything the people in Dallas said about him is true," Mitchell said. "To me, Luka is at a great crossroads because now we get to see who he really is as a person and as a professional." Doncic was a liability for the Lakers in the 2025 Playoffs Take the numbers — when guarded by Luka, Jaden McDaniels had the second-most efficient one-on-one matchup of the first round. Among 56 qualifying matchups, the Wolves' two-way forward posted a blistering 68.8 percent effective field goal percentage against Doncic. Similarly, Anthony Edwards didn't shy away from taking advantage. The three-time All-Star enjoyed the eighth-best offensive efficiency when matched up with Luka, with a 59.4 percent effective field goal percentage. Game after game, as the contests went neck-to-neck in the dying stages, the Timberwolves quickly zeroed in on Doncic's defensive limitations, exploiting his lateral speed and drawing contacts against him at will in the paint. Advertisement As a result, this forced Luka to go nuclear on the offensive end to make any genuine game-changing impact. Even though the Slovenian averaged 30.2 points per game, it wasn't enough, especially when "Ant-Man" kept coming alive in crunch time and tilted the series decisively in his team's favor. Related: Isiah Thomas recalls his college recruitment: "My mom closed the briefcase and said, 'My son's not for sale" Luka needs to pull up his socks No one expects "El Matador" to become a lockdown defender or become an All-NBA Defensive Team selectee. However, people expect Doncic not to be a glaring liability on that end, someone who gets blown by on almost every possession or becomes a non-factor when his team desperately needs a stop. If that continues, the burden on his offense only becomes heavier. Advertisement This is why the first step Luka needs to take in the offseason is to get in the best shape of his life. Playing under the spotlight in L.A. is never easy. Instead, it demands more than talent; it requires commitment, endurance, and zeal to shut the critics up with results. Most importantly, after a disappointing first-round exit, the questions swirl again around whether GM Nico Harrison was right in suggesting that Doncic's defensive shortcomings might ultimately prevent him from leading a team to a championship. For that, the five-time All-Star needs to return next season with answers — not just with his handles and footwork, but with a stronger motor, better conditioning, and more pride on defense. Related: "I would have been a much bigger star" - Toni Kukoc agreed he would've been what Luka Doncic is today if he didn't play for the Bulls
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Warriors Post Awesome News Amid Playoff Series vs. Timberwolves
The Golden State Warriors battled their way through a tough first-round series, emerging with a hard-earned win over the Houston Rockets. After finishing the regular season with a 48-34 record, the Warriors entered the postseason as the No. 7 seed. Golden State first eliminated the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in round, then upset the second-seeded Rockets in a thrilling seven-game series. Advertisement Now, the Warriors are turning their focus to the second round, which starts on the road against the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. Before diving into that matchup, the Warriors made headlines for something off the court. The team announced a charitable initiative, pledging $500 for every free throw made during the first round. "The Dubs have made 92 free throws in the First Round of the 2025 Playoffs, resulting in $46,000 raised for education-focused nonprofits in the Bay thanks to the PG&E Foundation!" the Warriors social media team posted. The campaign, called "Free Throws For Futures," supports educational nonprofits across the Bay Area and highlights the franchise's ongoing commitment to the local community. Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) and guard Steph Curry (30).Petre Thomas-Imagn Images One of the key contributors at the line was Steph Curry. The 37-year-old veteran made 28 of the team's 92 free throws, missing just three during the entire series. Curry also shot 93.3% from the line during the regular season. Advertisement Midseason pickup Jimmy Butler led the series in made free throws, going 37-for-44. The former Marquette star hit 4-of-5 in Game 7. The Warriors will open their series against the Timberwolves on Tuesday night in Minnesota. Game 2 is set for Thursday at the Target Center before the series shifts to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday. Related: Nuggets Executive Reveals Strong Statement on Mike Malone After Playoff Series Win. Related: Dillon Brooks Sends Strong Message After Steph Curry's Injury
