Predicting The 2025 NBA Playoff Bracket Post All-Star Break

Now that the 2025 NBA All-Star break is over, the postseason picture is beginning to develop. Although there is still opportunity for the standings to change, we can tell from the first half of the season which teams are serious contenders and which teams could struggle to stay in the race. Here is my prediction for the 2025 NBA playoff bracket could look like come-mid April. 

Eastern Conference First-Round Matchups

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Miami Heat

All season long, the Cavaliers have dominated the East and barring a late season collapse, expect the Cavs to stay the one-seed. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley will lead their team into a battle against a tested Heat team that I expect to find their way into the eight-seed. Even post Jimmy Butler trade, the Heat do have players with deep playoff run experience which could make them dangerous. This should make this a fairly entertaining matchup.

2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Orlando Magic

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will lead the Celtics into the playoffs in search of banner 19 and a second straight title. Although the Magic have struggled with injuries throughout the season, I anticipate Paolo Banchero to return to his form over the next few weeks as he leads this Orlando team into a round one meeting with the reigning champions.

3. New York Knicks vs. 6. Detroit Pistons

The Knicks are a difficult opponent for any team because of their deep roster and aggressive play style. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have established themselves as one of the top duos in the game. On the flip side, the Pistons should advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2019 with Cade Cunningham and a much-improved supporting group. New York's toughness and playoff experience give them the advantage, but Detroit's youthful team could make things interesting.

4. Indiana Pacers vs. 5. Milwaukee Bucks

A rematch from last year could very well be in the cards, and it looks like this would be the most interesting Eastern first-round matchup. Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the league's best players, will lead the Bucks against the Pacers' up-tempo offense. If the Bucks do fall to the Pacers again, I expect Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee to once again be one of the main storylines heading into the summer.

Western Conference First-Round Matchups

1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 8. Golden State Warriors

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP front-runner, has led the Thunder to the top seed in the West for the second consecutive year. OKC is a difficult matchup for anyone because of SGA's scoring prowess and their young, dynamic team. But after adding Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, the Warriors head into the postseason with newfound optimism. Golden State should be a dangerous underdog in the second half of the season with the addition of Butler's paired alongside Steph Curry.

2. Denver Nuggets vs. 7. Minnesota Timberwolves

A further element of drama is added by the fact that this series would be the third in a year these teams square off in the playoffs included their second-round 7 game battle from last year. Following a difficult 11-10 start, the Nuggets have been among the league's most dominant teams, as Jamal Murray has gotten better by the month, and MVP-caliber play from Nikola Jokić who is averaging a triple double this season. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have experienced a mixed season, most likely as a result of the fallout from the Karl-Anthony Towns trade to New York. Anthony Edwards, has remained outstanding in spite of the team's inconsistencies. His scoring ability and improved playmaking should be enough to get his team to the postseason. 

3. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 6. Los Angeles Clippers

The Grizzlies, led by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, are back as a Western contender after a disappointing season in 2023-24. The Clippers, however, have renewed energy going into the second half thanks to their smart trade deadline pick ups. With Norman Powell's All-Star play, and James Harden's resurgence, L.A. might be a sneaky contender out West, especially with Kawhi Leonard healthy. 

4. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 5. Houston Rockets

 LeBron James and Luka Dončić in this scenario potentially get the matchup they both want ahead of their first playoff run as teammates. One funny element of this series would be getting to LeBron take on the feisty Dillon Brooks. The Rockets surge has been one of the better one the stories this season, and if they do get this point, expect them to play with house money against this Lakers squad.