2025 NBA playoffs: Expert picks for the second round matchups

The second round of the NBA playoffs from 2025 is in progress, and eight teams go against the chance to get one step closer to their hopes of the championship.

Sunday begins with No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers, who takes up number 4 Indiana Pacers after the Cavs hit the Miami heat in the first round. On Monday, the showdowns of the Eastern Conference organize the showdowns for defending champion No. 2, Boston Celtics, the No. 3 Saatgut New York Knicks.

After an exciting series with seven games, the Denver Nuggets will compete with the No. 1 seed in Oklahoma City Thunder. The No. 6 Sowing Minnesota Timberwolves await the winner of Game 7 between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.

After a first round full of sweeps and game 7, our NBA experts meet for every second round.

Timetable and News | Second round preview | Offseason guide

East second round

Cleveland Cavaliers (1)
Against 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 Brembry: 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

Final figures:
Cleveland 11, Indiana 0

Boston Celtics (2)
Against 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 Brembry: 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

Final figures:
Boston 11, New York 0

West Second round

Oklahoma City Thunder (1)
Against denver nuggets (4)

Kevin Pelton: Donner in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Donner in 7
Jorge Sedano: Donner in 6
Jerry Brembry: Donner in 6
Dave McMenamin: Donner in 6
Jamal Collier: Donner in 7
Chris Herring: Donner in 7
Marc Spears: Donner in 6
Jeremy Woo: Donner in 7

Final figures:
Oklahoma City 9, Denver 0