The excitement of the NBA playoffs has arrived! Following the wrap-up of the play-in tournament on Friday evening, the playoff matchups for the 2024–2025 season are officially determined. The NBA is brimming with skill this season, evident from the caliber of teams ready to compete starting Saturday, all of whom have the potential to clinch the championship.
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Before the first game gets underway, let’s delve into the teams most likely to secure the championship title. Here’s a look at the power rankings as we head into the 2025 playoffs.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Regular-season record: 68–14
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Postseason seed: West No. 1
Why they’ll win: The Thunder have dominated the league throughout the season, boasting the highest defensive rating and the third-best offensive rating. With MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, alongside Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, plus a deep bench, the Thunder are well-equipped for a championship run.
Why they might not: Despite their strengths, the Thunder are relatively inexperienced and have occasional shooting struggles. The team lacks players with deep playoff experience, and their shooting, especially from beyond the arc, could pose a problem, as highlighted by their poor three-point shooting in last year’s playoffs against the Mavericks.
2. Boston Celtics
Regular-season record: 61–21
Postseason seed: East No. 2
Why they’ll win: As the reigning champions, the Celtics have a proven formula for success. Despite some challenges during the season, they secured 60 wins and maintained top five offensive and defensive ratings. Their experience and health, except for Jaylen Brown’s questionable knee, make them tough opponents in a playoff series.
Why they might not: The Celtics’ reliance on three-point shooting could backfire if the shots stop falling, as they scored a low percentage of their points inside the arc. If their key shooters hit a slump, it could spell trouble.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Regular-season record: 64–18
Postseason seed: East No. 1
Why they’ll win: The Cavaliers excelled this season with the league’s top offense and a solid defense. They led in several offensive categories and their roster, led by stars and a smart coach, is balanced and synergistic.
Why they might not: The defensive abilities of their backcourt could be their downfall. While their frontcourt can often compensate, the relentless pressure from opposing teams could eventually wear them down, especially in a playoff setting where every possession counts.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Regular-season record: 50–32
Postseason seed: West No. 3
Why they’ll win: LeBron James and Luka Doncic form an intimidating duo capable of outsmarting almost any defense. Their combined experience and skill could lead the Lakers to success in the playoffs.
Why they might not: Despite their talents, defensive weaknesses, particularly with Doncic, and a lack of size could hinder their ability to go deep into the playoffs. The absence of Anthony Davis leaves a significant gap in their defense and rebounding capabilities, which could be exploited by other teams.
5. Golden State Warriors
Regular-season record: 48–34
Postseason seed: West No. 7
Why they’ll win: Since acquiring Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have surged, boasting top rankings in defense and offense post-All-Star break. With stars like Steph Curry and Draymond Green, they have the leadership and skill to challenge any team.
Why they might not: The consistency of their supporting cast is questionable, and their failure to secure a higher seed due to a late-season loss shows vulnerabilities. If their offense struggles and the role players falter, their playoff journey could end quickly.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Regular-season record: 50–32
Postseason seed: West No. 5
Why they’ll win: Kawhi Leonard’s return has significantly boosted the Clippers’ chances. His two-way play has been a game-changer, enhancing both their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Why they might not: The team’s success heavily relies on Leonard and James Harden, which is a risky dependency. Leonard’s injury history and Harden’s less-than-stellar playoff performances could pose significant risks.
7. Denver Nuggets
Regular-season record: 50–32
Postseason seed: West No. 4
Why they’ll win: Nikola Jokic continues to impress, potentially heading towards his fourth MVP title with historic averages. The Nuggets’ success largely hinges on his performance, which has been consistently stellar.
Why they might not: The team’s overall inconsistency and defensive struggles are concerning. With a rookie coach and a weak defensive record, it’s uncertain if they can overcome these challenges in the playoffs.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
Regular-season record: 49–33
Postseason seed: West No. 6
Why they’ll win: Anthony Edwards has significantly improved his three-point shooting, which could be key in the playoffs. The Timberwolves have also maintained strong defensive performances, which could serve them well in tough matchups.
Why they might not: The team has shown signs of poor cohesion and inconsistency, particularly in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns. Their playoff success could be limited if they can’t maintain strong team dynamics and defensive connectivity.
9. Houston Rockets
Regular-season record: 52–30
Postseason seed: West No. 2
Why they’ll win: The Rockets have a robust defense, which is crucial for playoff success. With promising young players and experienced leaders, they are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.
Why they might not: While their defense is strong, their offensive capabilities are not as reliable, particularly in half-court settings. This could limit their ability to consistently score against well-organized playoff defenses.
10. New York Knicks
Regular-season record: 51–31
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