2025 NBA playoffs: Experts’ picks for second-round matchups

2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 1 | ASL

The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is underway, with eight teams going head-to-head for a chance to move one step closer to their championship hopes.

Sunday kicks off with the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers taking on the No. 4 seed after the Cavs swept the Miami Heat in the first round. Monday, the Eastern Conference showdowns continue as the defending champion No. 2 seed Boston Celtics host the No. 3 seed Knicks.

After an exciting seven-game series, the Denver Nuggets will move on to face the No. 1 seed Thunder. The No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves await the winner of Game 7 between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.

After a first round filled with sweeps and Game 7s, our NBA experts are making their picks for each second-round series.

Schedule and news | Second round preview | Offseason guide

2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 2 | ASL

East second round

2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 3 | ASL2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 4 | ASL2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 5 | ASL

Cleveland Cavaliers (1)
vs. 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 tally:
Cleveland 11, Indiana 0

2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 6 | ASL

2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 7 | ASL

Boston Celtics (2)
vs. 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 tally:
Boston 11, New York 0

2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 8 | ASL

West second round

2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 9 | ASL2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 10 | ASL2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups 11 | ASL

Oklahoma City Thunder (1)
vs. Denver Nuggets (4)

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

Final tally:
Oklahoma City 9, Denver 0

Source: espn.com