The 2025 NBA postseason kicks off with the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic officially clinching spots in the playoffs. Both teams fought hard in the Play-In Tournament, securing the No. 7 seeds in their respective conferences. Their victories on Tuesday night have officially earned them a place in the postseason. With the Play-In Tournament still running its course, the first-round matchups are beginning to take shape, promising an exciting start to the 2025 playoffs.
Warriors and Magic Make Playoff Push
The Play-In Tournament, which unfolded this week, set the stage for the complete playoff bracket. The Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies with a 121-116 victory, securing their postseason spot. On the Eastern Conference side, the Orlando Magic dominated the Atlanta Hawks 120-95, ensuring their place in the playoffs.
The tournament continued on Wednesday with the Miami Heat defeating the Chicago Bulls 109-90 and the Dallas Mavericks taking down the Sacramento Kings 120-106. With these results, all eyes are now on the first-round matchups, set to begin on Saturday, April 19.
First-Round Matchups and Schedule Breakdown
The 2025 NBA playoffs are shaping up to be an exciting battle. With a mix of seasoned champions and hungry challengers, the first round promises to deliver high stakes across both conferences.
Eastern Conference:
- No. 1 Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Hawks/Heat
- No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 Magic
- No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Pistons
- No. 4 Pacers vs. No. 5 Bucks
Western Conference:
- No. 1 Thunder vs. No. 8 Grizzlies/Mavericks
- No. 2 Rockets vs. No. 7 Warriors
- No. 3 Lakers vs. No. 6 Timberwolves
- No. 4 Nuggets vs. No. 5 Clippers
The Road to the Finals: Key Dates to Keep an Eye On
With the first-round matchups now set, fans should mark their calendars for the crucial dates ahead in the postseason:
- April 19-21: The first round begins with Game 1s in all eight series.
- April 25-26: Game 3s will bring high intensity and pivotal moments.
- May 3-4: Game 7s could be crucial for teams vying for the next round.
The NBA Finals will tip off on June 5, but until then, there will be plenty of action to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Play-In Tournament Recap: Key Games That Shaped the Bracket
Let’s take a quick look at how the Play-In Tournament unfolded, leading to some thrilling matchups.
Tuesday, April 15:
- Magic 120, Hawks 95: Orlando’s commanding victory secured their spot in the playoffs.
- Warriors 121, Grizzlies 116: Golden State narrowly defeated Memphis to claim their postseason spot.
Wednesday, April 16:
- Heat 109, Bulls 90: Miami’s dominant win propelled them into the playoffs.
- Mavericks 120, Kings 106: Dallas clinched a spot with a decisive victory over Sacramento.
What’s Next: Playoff Drama Unfolds This Weekend
With the first games of the 2025 NBA playoffs on the horizon, basketball fans can expect a thrilling postseason. The Celtics are poised to face the Magic, while the Warriors take on the Rockets in what promises to be an electric series.
Game 1s will tip off across the weekend, starting on Saturday, April 19, and continuing through Sunday, April 20. The Heat and Magic will both be looking to carry the momentum from their Play-In Tournament victories, while the Warriors will aim to build on their championship pedigree.
The postseason promises to be filled with dramatic moments, and with each game, we’ll learn which teams have what it takes to make a deep playoff run. Whether you’re rooting for a favorite or hoping for an underdog story, it’s going to be a wild ride.
As the 2025 NBA playoffs heat up, there are plenty of unforgettable moments on the horizon. Whether you’re following the underdogs or the seasoned favorites, don’t miss out on the action. With every game, we inch closer to finding out which team will rise to the occasion and make their mark on the postseason.