18-04-2025
The NBA playoffs tip off this weekend. How could each first-round series go?
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My apologies for missing this, but yesterday was a big NBA anniversary. Not only was it the 18th anniversary of Clyde Drexler being eliminated from 'Dancing with the Stars,' but it was also the 18th anniversary of referee Joey Crawford being suspended for his infamous ejection of Tim Duncan due to laughing on the bench. How is this not a national holiday?
It's going down! (Playoffs!) I'm yelling, 'Timber!'
The 2025 playoffs begin Saturday, and we've got all of the previews, coverage and breakdowns you could ever want on The Athletic, including this detailed one from John Hollinger. I'll be bumping Pitbull and Ke$ha's 'Timber' remix from the 2014 NBA playoffs all weekend long as I take in the action. Here's my quick and dirty preview for each first-round series — we'll start with the West in this section.
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(1) Thunder versus (8) Grizzlies/Mavericks
Welcome to the Thunderdome. This might get ugly.
(2) Rockets versus (7) Warriors
The Rockets players changed, but the fan bases still hate each other all the same. It's the 20teens all over again!
(3) Lakers versus (6) Wolves
LeBron James has been the guy for pretty much as long as Anthony Edwards has been alive. Luka Dončić is here to take the torch. Edwards would like to burn it all down.
(4) Nuggets versus (5) Clippers
Denver has thrown itself into chaos at the last minute, and maybe for the first time in a long time … we should believe in the Clippers and this healthy Kawhi Leonard?
The No Dunks crew has you covered with previewing big-picture playoff questions!
Could Bucks star play in Game 2 vs. Indiana?
🦌 He's cleared. Damian Lillard appears to be nearing a return, but I have to ask: Is this a good idea?
💰 Big bets. Guess which team the sportsbooks will likely be rooting against in the playoffs. It's the Lakers.
🏀 Twin towers. The Thunder have bet big on playing big. Holmgren and Hartenstein are their answer.
👑 New leadership. The Kings have already replaced general manager Monte McNair. Scott Perry is back in the front office.
🎧 Tuning in. In today's NBA Daily, Fred Katz joins to discuss the effect Jokić has on his teammates.
🌞 Culture change. Suns owner vows to change team culture after embarrassing season. Who's gonna tell him?
Are there any potential first-round upsets?
(1) Cavaliers versus (8) Hawks/Heat
This should be like a sparring match with a great fighter, but maybe one of the partners might accidentally tag them a little too hard one time and pay for it. That's not the Hawks if they make it. More below on the Play-In.
(2) Celtics versus (7) Magic
This isn't quite like the days when Kevin Garnett punched Dwight Howard's forearm, but this will still be a fun, physical battle.
The story of the greatest players in NBA history. In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process.
The story of the greatest players in NBA history.
(3) Knicks versus (6) Pistons
The Pistons are playing free and easy at this point, which makes this a very dangerous series for the Knicks.
(4) Pacers versus (5) Bucks
All of a sudden, this Damian Lillard news (see above) throws a massive wrench into what we thought this series would be.
Victor Wembanyama in rarified air once again
Law Murray took over the Player Tiers project this year, and the Tier 1 players were unveiled today. It's hard to not raise an eyebrow and be impressed by the idea that Victor Wembanyama is already considered to be in this grouping. He made Law's grouping of 1D players, which is the low end of the Tier 1 guys, but still puts him in the top 10.
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Obviously, Wemby's season was unfortunately cut short, but it's interesting to try to figure out how to quantify his place in the current NBA. His size and skill set are still anomalies. He's still bending the minds of those going against him when he is on the court. I have difficulty figuring out his place in the NBA right now because he is so unique and can impact the game. This feels too soon for him and simultaneously right on time.
At the same time, he still doesn't really know what he's doing relative to even what his expertise level will be five years from now, when he'll be only 26. When he's back next season, we'll likely see Wembanyama in a position to really win and be a playoff competitor. Once he gains that knowledge, where does he ascend to? It's an exhilarating thought.
Heat, Hawks, Grizzlies, Mavs face elimination
This is what we play for! To avoid the shame of getting to the end of the Play-In Tournament, only to be eliminated at the last moment and not even get a chance at some of that sweet, sweet playoff revenue. Let's preview the battles for the final two playoff spots that'll take us into the first round this weekend.
Heat at Hawks, 7 p.m. ET on TNT
You could tell me both of these teams have never missed a Play-In Tournament, and I would buy it.
Mavericks at Grizzlies, 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN (or Fubo — try it for free)
Both of these teams willingly threw themselves into unnecessary chaos at bizarre times this season.
