At last! After another thrilling and entertaining NBA regular season, particularly in the Western Conference, the moment we’ve all been eagerly awaiting since the opening tip-off has arrived: The Playoffs. While the Play-In Tournament may not have delivered much suspense, the first round of the postseason promises no shortage of drama. Let’s dive into a quick analysis of the key matchups, using Sofascore data to break down what we can expect as the battle for the championship begins.
No. 1 vs. No. 8: A Mismatch in the Making
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder will be the last to learn their first-round opponents, but neither team should be too concerned. Whoever emerges from the Play-In to face these top seeds is unlikely to enjoy the experience. If the NBA were more flexible with its playoff format, this matchup would be a prime candidate for a return to a best-of-5 series, as it’s hard to imagine anyone savoring what could feel like a one-sided beatdown.
After a record-breaking start to the season, the Cavaliers slightly eased off the gas in the final stretch, posting an 8-8 record over the last month. This late-season stumble melted away their lead over OKC, costing them homecourt advantage should the Western Conference leaders meet them in a potential Finals showdown.
On the other hand, Oklahoma City, led by one of this season’s top MVP candidates, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (runner-up in average Sofascore Rating with an impressive 8.45), enters the playoffs in peak form. The Thunder’s only potential stumbling block in capping off this magical season could be their lack of playoff experience. However, that inexperience is unlikely to surface as a significant issue until later rounds with much higher stakes.
Both teams can use this first round to fine-tune their playoff rotations and build momentum. I don’t expect either the Cavaliers or Thunder to need more than five games to dispatch their opening-round opponents and advance with ease.
Eastern Conference, No. 2 vs. No. 7: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic: A Swift March for the Champs
The reigning champion Boston Celtics are poised to kick off their playoff campaign, hoping for another long and triumphant run like last year, with little trouble in the first round. The primary goal in this series is to wrap it up quickly while preserving the energy of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. When healthy, this duo is exceptional, but many point to them as Boston’s biggest long-term vulnerability. Porzingis’s injury proneness didn’t derail the Celtics last season, but questions linger about how long Horford can defy Father Time and maintain his elite-level play.
Boston’s wing and guard positions are a major strength, with the team heavily reliant on their outside shooting. This reliance could potentially extend the series if their shots aren’t falling, but the Celtics should dispatch the Orlando Magic in no more than five games. Orlando, weakened by Jalen Suggs’s injury, no longer looks as threatening. With a 21-27 record in 2025 and the league’s 28th-ranked offense, the Magic could struggle against Boston’s top-two defense. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, Orlando’s primary offensive threats, might steal a game or two, but anything beyond that would be a massive upset.
Eastern Conference, No. 3 vs. No. 6: Knicks vs. Pistons – New York Meets Detroit’s Youth
The New York Knicks are aiming to go at least one step further than last year’s second-round exit, where Tom Thibodeau’s grueling system left their roster depleted. Bolstered by Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks have become more versatile offensively, reducing the playmaking burden on Jalen Brunson and hoping to preserve their key players for a deeper run.
On the other side, the Detroit Pistons have used their years at the bottom of the East to build an intriguing young core, led by Cade Cunningham, one of the season’s most improved players. As Detroit’s primary creator and scorer, Cunningham will determine how much resistance the Pistons can offer. While it may not thrill their fans, reaching the playoffs as a solid postseason team is already a significant step forward for Detroit this season. A bigger leap might have to wait a year or two. The Knicks should take this series in six games.
Eastern Conference, No. 4 vs. No. 5: Pacers vs. Bucks – A Revenge-Fueled Rematch
The Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks meet again after last year’s surprising 4-2 upset by Indiana. Heading into the playoffs, it seemed like history might repeat itself, but Lillard’s clutch “Dame Time” magic has shifted the narrative. Instead of a game-winning 30-foot buzzer-beater, this time it was a last-minute confirmation that Lillard, despite earlier fears of a season-ending blood clot issue, will be ready for the postseason.
Both teams rank among the league’s elite in field goal percentage, with the Bucks leading the NBA in three-point efficiency. After a prolonged slump that carried into this season, Tyrese Haliburton has rediscovered the form that made him a fan favorite early last year. Bolstered by last season’s playoff experience, Indiana is a legitimate threat, but Milwaukee looks serious, hungry for revenge, and powered by a phenomenal Giannis Antetokounmpo. Expect the Bucks to flip the script this time, advancing in six or seven high-octane, dynamic games.
Western Conference, No. 2 vs. No. 7: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors: A Must-Watch Showdown
Meanwhile, the No. 2 vs. No. 7 matchup in the West delivers one of the most electrifying battles of the opening round. This classic clash of youth versus experience, spiced up with some bad blood from their last regular-season encounter, promises to be a treat for neutral fans. What makes this duel particularly intriguing is the lack of overlapping strengths between the two teams, setting the stage for a true clash of styles.
The Houston Rockets lean on their athleticism, physicality, and size in the paint, thriving on a rugged brand of basketball that punishes weaker opponents. However, their offense can sputter due to limited outside shooting. Dillon Brooks is the only Rocket hitting threes at above 35%, though his career reputation as an inconsistent shooter precedes him. Brooks, famously, was the target of mockery in 2023 after failing to back up his bold predictions during the Grizzlies’ playoff series against the Lakers.
On the other side, the Golden State Warriors are channeling shades of their 2022 championship run, where a slightly revamped roster surprised the league en route to a title. The addition of “Playoff Jimmy” Butler has brought smiles back to the Bay Area, and the chemistry between Butler, Draymond Green, and Stephen Curry looks phenomenal both on and off the court. Curry may no longer be able to single-handedly carry games as he once did, but he’s now backed by Butler’s clutch prowess and a supporting cast of young talent. If Brandin Podziedmski, Quinten Post, and Buddy Hield continue their lethal three-point shooting, and Moses Moody and Gary Payton II keep terrorizing opposing guards with aggressive defense, the Warriors will be tough to beat. Kuminga remains a mystery that could cost them this round, but in high-stakes moments, it’s nice to have the greatest shooter of all time on your side, Curry, who even on the grand stage of the Olympic Finals, proved he still has that fire and signature magic.
Fans are hoping this series goes the distance, and with the experience of Butler, Green, and Curry, the Warriors hold a slight edge. Let’s call it a Warriors victory in a thrilling seven games.
Western Conference, No. 3 vs. No. 6: Lakers vs. Timberwolves – Star Power vs. Grit
The Minnesota Timberwolves fell just short of 50 wins, and their reward is a first-round clash with the Los Angeles Lakers, without homecourt advantage. It’s still baffling how the Lakers managed to acquire Luka Dončić, but the move has given them the only roster with two top-10 players by Sofascore Rating: Dončić (No. 4) and LeBron James (No. 5). Their playmaking, basketball IQ, and lethal small-ball lineup should be enough to overcome a dangerous Minnesota squad. The Timberwolves rely on their paint dominance and another breakout from Anthony Edwards.
Last year’s upset of the Nuggets proved their talent, and no one takes them lightly anymore. However, with Julius Randle replacing Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota’s offense isn’t quite as potent. Despite Minnesota’s top-five defense and the Lakers’ surprisingly solid defensive play, this series will likely hinge on offense. Both teams boast five shooters hitting at least 38% from three, and Edwards holds the season record for most threes made. Still, the experience, playmaking, and composure of Dončić and James should tame the Wolves before a Game 7.
Western Conference, No. 4 vs. No. 5: Nuggets vs. Clippers – The Most Unpredictable Showdown
Saving the best for last, this series might be the most uncertain of the first round. Predictions vary widely, but one thing everyone agrees on: let’s hope both teams stay healthy and this goes to seven games. On one side, Nikola Jokić, whose brilliance endured despite a turbulent season for the Nuggets marked by roster and management challenges, remains a force of nature. With him on the court, Denver boasts the best offensive rating in NBA history; without him, they plummet to the league’s worst.
On the other side, the Clippers are finally healthy, with Kawhi Leonard leading a well-constructed roster. Leonard’s return allows James Harden to slide into a more suitable role as a secondary creator, potentially unlocking a stronger playoff performance. This heavyweight clash, laced with narratives around Harden, Ivica Zubac, Russell Westbrook, and Jamal Murray, will come down to Jokić and Leonard. Can Jokić sustain 40+ minutes at his elite level every game? Can Leonard finally string together a healthy playoff run? With so many questions, the first answers arrive this weekend.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Follow the NBA Playoffs with Sofascore, where amazing happens, and every bucket counts.