NBA Playoffs Second Round: Key Matchups and Predictions for Every Series

2025-11-15 14:01

As I sit down to analyze the second round of the NBA playoffs, I can't help but reflect on how much the landscape has shifted over the years. For two decades now, I've been following these playoffs religiously, and I've come to realize that discovering the true potential of teams is what makes this stage so special. The conference semifinals have delivered four compelling matchups that promise to be absolute thrillers, each with its own unique storyline and tactical battles that could determine who advances to the conference finals.

The Eastern Conference features what I believe might be the most intriguing matchup between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Having watched Jayson Tatum evolve over the past seven seasons, I'm convinced this could be his true breakout postseason. The Celtics finished the regular season with a dominant 64-18 record, but what impressed me most was their defensive rating of 110.6, which ranked second in the league. They'll be facing a Cavaliers team that surprised many by knocking out the Knicks in six games, largely thanks to Donovan Mitchell's incredible 28.7 playoff scoring average. From my perspective, Mitchell has reached another level this postseason, but I'm skeptical whether Cleveland has enough secondary scoring to keep up with Boston's depth. The Celtics have what I consider the most complete roster in these playoffs, with Kristaps Porziņģis providing a dimension they've lacked in previous years. My prediction here is Celtics in five games, though I wouldn't be shocked if Cleveland steals one at home.

Out West, the matchup between Denver and Minnesota has me particularly excited. I've been watching Anthony Edwards closely, and I'll be honest - this kid is special. His 31.6 points per game in the first round against Phoenix was simply phenomenal. But here's what worries me about Minnesota: they've never been this deep in the playoffs before, and they're facing the defending champions who know exactly what it takes to win. Nikola Jokić averaged a near triple-double in the first round with 28.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists, numbers that are just absurd. Having studied both teams' defensive schemes, I think Minnesota's length could cause Denver some problems, but ultimately, the Nuggets' championship experience will prevail. I'm predicting Denver in six hard-fought games, with Edwards putting on a show that solidifies his status as the league's next superstar.

The other Western Conference series between Dallas and Oklahoma City presents what I see as a classic offense versus defense matchup. Luka Dončić is putting up historic numbers with 34.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.5 assists through the first round, but what concerns me is his 38.2 minutes per game. At some point, that heavy usage might catch up with him. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City finished the regular season with the third-best defensive rating at 111.0, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of spectacular. From my experience watching young teams in the playoffs, I typically worry about their composure in tight moments, but this Thunder squad has shown remarkable poise. Still, I'm leaning toward Dallas here because of their superstar power - I've always believed that in the playoffs, elite talent tends to prevail over balanced teams. My prediction is Mavericks in seven games in what could be the most entertaining series of the entire second round.

Back in the East, the Knicks versus Pacers series feels like a throwback to the physical basketball I grew up watching. Jalen Brunson has been absolutely phenomenal, averaging 35.8 points in the first round, but I'm seriously concerned about his heavy minutes and the Knicks' overall depth. Tom Thibodeau has always ridden his starters hard, and in my observation, that approach often leads to fatigue at this stage of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Indiana plays at the league's fastest pace and has six players averaging double figures in the postseason. While I admire New York's grit, I think their lack of depth will ultimately be their undoing against a deep Indiana squad. My prediction here is Pacers in six games, with their balanced attack proving too much for the worn-down Knicks.

Looking at these four series collectively, what strikes me is how each matchup presents a different philosophical battle about how to build a contender. We have the superstar-driven approach of Dallas, the balanced roster construction of Boston, the youth movement in Oklahoma City, and the defensive identity of New York. Having followed the league for twenty years, I've come to appreciate that there's no single formula for playoff success, though teams with elite top-end talent typically have the edge. My personal preference has always leaned toward teams with multiple creators and switchable defenders, which is why I believe Boston and Denver have the clearest paths to the conference finals. The beauty of the playoffs, however, is that predictions often go out the window once the ball tips off. What I'm most certain about is that we're in for some incredible basketball over the next two weeks, with moments that will become part of NBA playoff lore for years to come.